Terracotta Army兵马俑
Thousands of life-size clay soldiers buried to guard the tomb of the First Emperor of Qin — how to visit, and how to make sense of it.
Photo: Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D. · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours on site; half a day with travel
- Best time
- Opening time, or late afternoon. Avoid Chinese public holidays.
- Nearest base
- Xi’an
About Terracotta Army
Discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, the Terracotta Army is part of the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, who unified China in 221 BC. Pit 1 alone holds ranks of infantry thought to number in the thousands, each with individual faces.
The site is officially the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. A ticket covers the three pits, the exhibition hall with the bronze chariots, and the separate Lishan Garden (the mound of the emperor’s tomb, which has never been excavated).
Tickets and getting there
- Booking
- Book online in advance with your passport. Hire a licensed guide at the entrance or rent an audio guide — context makes a huge difference.
- How to get there
- About 1 hour east of central Xi’an. Take the tourist bus from near Xi’an railway station, a DiDi, or a driver; combine with the Huaqing Palace hot springs.
Almost every major sight in China books by passport number. See what to set up before you fly.
Highlights
- Pit 1 — The famous ranks of infantry in a hangar-like hall.
- Pit 2 — Archers, cavalry and chariots; display cases with individual figures.
- Pit 3 — The command post.
- Bronze chariots — Half-size bronze chariots and horses from the tomb.
Field notes
- Visit Pit 3 and Pit 2 first, then finish in Pit 1 when you understand what you are looking at.
- Bring a zoom lens or binoculars — you view the figures from walkways above.
Staying in Xi’an
You might also like
The Great Wall near Beijing
Which section to choose — Mutianyu, Badaling, Jinshanling, Jiankou or Simatai — and how to get there without a tour bus.
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The palace of 24 Ming and Qing emperors: how to book, which route to take, and what most visitors miss.
Temple of Heaven
Where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests — and where Beijingers now come to dance, sing and play cards every morning.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the Terracotta Army?
Three hours is enough for the pits and museum with a guide. Add an hour for Lishan Garden.
Can I get from Beijing to the Terracotta Army in a day?
Technically yes, by early high-speed train, but it is a very long day. Spend at least one night in Xi’an.
Want a trip that includes Terracotta Army built around your dates, pace and interests? Tell us what you have in mind and our desk will reply within 24 hours.
Commission a Private China Proposal
Tell us your travel window, interests, or hospital checkup requirements. Our specialists will return a tailored route blueprint — zero obligation.