Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State, during his visit to the museum in June 2013. He previously visited in 1979, 1985, 1987 and 2008.[Photo/China Daily]

'One last look'

For obvious reasons, most visitors are not allowed to enter the pit, but there have been exceptions. "Once, we had a group of visually impaired people at the museum, and we let them 'feel' the warriors, literally," He said.

Another person who had close contact with the warriors is Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State and a key player in Sino-US relations for four decades.

"Since 1979, the doctor has been here five times. The last time he came, in June last year, he was with his wife, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren," He said. "When we offered him the chance to go into the pit, he was absolutely thrilled, and asked earnestly: "Can my family come with me?'

"When he gazed into the eyes of a warrior it was a moment to behold: a dialogue between two men, both historic figures in their own rights, and a dialogue between civilizations," she said.

It was a hot summer day and the lack of air conditioning meant the exhibition hall was stiflingly hot. After his visit, the elderly statesman was helped to the corridor, where a breeze plays, and helped into a wheelchair.

"The way the wheelchair was placed meant the doctor was facing away from the giant showroom's exit door, through which one can still catch a glimpse of the warriors," He recalled. "The 90-year-old looked up at the museum guide beside him and said, 'Turn me round. I want to have one last look'."