Visitors to Hornsby Shire Council Chambers will be greeted by a new resident, a terracotta warrior that is a gift from the Chinese city of Xian.
“This is a very generous gift that marks the friendship between our communities and we’re extremely grateful,” Hornsby Shire Mayor Steve Russell said.
“This is a priceless addition to our Shire that further strengthens the bond that exists between us and Xian.”
The statue is a replica of those in the world-renowned Terracotta Army that was discovered in 1974 in Xian.
It includes more than 8,000 soldiers that were buried with the first Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210 BCE.
“Our warrior had a bit of a rough journey getting here as customs drilled a hole in his back to make sure he wasn’t carrying anything he shouldn’t,” Mayor Russell said.
“However, all is repaired now and he is a very welcome addition to our Shire.
“I encourage everybody to come by and see him.”
