The Terracotta Army is one of China’s most rated attractions. For us it was a dream come true to visit this amazing world wonder and the privilege to be able to see it means we are able to share our experience with our readers. There is simply nothing like this in the rest of the world.
Read below all the must knows before you go and how to make the most when visiting this dream location.
Overview
The Terracotta Army, or Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum, is one of China’s most remarkable archaeological sites. It’s an extraordinary place that sheds light on the history of the Terracotta Army, its creation, and the vision of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
One thing to note is that the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is yet to be opened. There is currently a 50 year seal on it set by the the government.
Located in Lintong, not far from Xi’an, the site is home to thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots crafted over two millennia ago.
We stayed in Xi’an and planned a day trip to visit this historical landmark. The journey, the scale of the discovery, and the artistry of the figures left us deeply reflective. While there, we learned more about how old the Terracotta Army is and the purpose it served, which added depth to our visit.
How to Get to the Terracotta Army from Xi’an
Travelling to the location of the Terracotta Warriors is straightforward if you’re based in Xi’an. Public transport, especially buses, offers an affordable and reliable way to reach the site.
By public transport you can go by metro (line 9 / orange line) to Huaqing Palace and from there you get a special tourist (express) bus, service number 613. You can buy tickets from the driver using Alipay/Wechat. No pre-booking is required.
The bus stops right at the entrance, making it convenient for visitors. Keep an eye out for bus schedules as they can vary slightly depending on the season.
If you’re planning to visit, we’d recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the midday rush. Tickets can be purchased on arrival, but booking online in advance is recommended to skip the queue.
Very important to remember that your passport will be your ticket! Don’t forget it.
At the entrance you will be assaulted by guides, all wanting to offer their services. It seems they don’t mind bargaining a bit. The typical tour includes 2 hours of the guide’s time.
It’s down to you if you want to go for a tour guide, we didn’t and used the audio guides which were less than $6 per device.
As you enter the estate, you have the option to take a shuttle to the pits or walk till there. The shuttle ticket was less than $1 per person and the journey takes a few minutes. Walking can be a bit longer.
Alternatively, you can join a guided tour from Xi’An to the Terracotta Army. Here are some suggestions from Klook.
Best Time to Visit the Terracotta Army
Timing is key when visiting such a popular attraction. Spring and autumn are ideal as the weather is mild and the crowds tend to be smaller.
We visited in autumn, and while it was still busy, it felt manageable however, after midday it did feel packed and especially Pit 1 was overcrowded with school groups. Avoid national holidays if you can, as it’s one of the most visited destinations in China.
If you prefer quieter experiences, try arriving right when the site opens. We noticed that the early hours were much more relaxed, giving us time to explore without feeling hurried.
Our recommendation is to allocate 8-9 hours for the Terracotta Army visit, making it ideal for a day trip from Xi’an.
Exploring the Terracotta Army
Walking into the first pit was a moment we won’t forget. The sheer number of figures on display—part of the over 8,000 Terracotta Army figures believed to exist—left us awestruck.
The pits are arranged methodically, with each one offering a different perspective on the army’s formation and purpose.
Pit 1 – The Main Army
Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive. It was discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well. It contains thousands of soldiers arranged in battle formation, with rows of infantrymen and chariots.
This pit provides the iconic view that most people associate with the Terracotta Army, showcasing the full scale of Emperor Qin’s vision.
It’s interesting to note here that most photos of the army that you may see on the internet, reveal just the restored statues. They represent at best 30% of all the statues in Pit 1 with the rest yet to be restored or uncovered.
We found that we stood the most in Pit 1 as it is the biggest. It’s also a good opportunity to take in the vastness of the army itself and truly appreciate the craftsmanship.
Pit 2 – Various Warriors
Pit 2 is smaller but equally fascinating, as it contains a mix of archers, cavalry, and war chariots. It was discovered shortly after Pit 1, in 1976. This pit offers insight into the variety of military units that made up the emperor’s forces.
Here you will also have on display various statues which stand out due to how well they were preserved or by their craftsmanship. The detailed expressions and the different poses of the warriors here give a sense of movement and readiness.
We really enjoyed seeing the various soldiers which are on display and here you can truly see the facial expressions as well as their individual distinctive features anything from their facial hair to weapons.
This is a great spot also to take some photos as this is the closest you will get to any of the Terracotta Army soldiers.
Pit 3 – Command Post
Pit 3 is the command centre of the army. It was also discovered in 1976, completing the trio of main pits that illustrate the complex military hierarchy. It’s smaller than the other two pits but holds significant importance. This pit contains high-ranking officers and is thought to be the headquarters, illustrating how the entire army was strategically planned.
Here, archaeologists were able to uncover some of the best preserved statues in their original paint. However, once they dug them up the paint started evaporating leaving the statues brown.
The pit is fairly low dug and so seeing the actual units is a bit more difficult here. We found that this is more representative to understand how the army’s command might’ve looked from afar than anything else.
It is said that the overall setup of the army is what you would expect for a contemporary real life army from back then. So it constituted a very real replica which makes the effort all so more impressive.
Pit 4 – The Empty Pit
There is a fourth pit also however, nothing was found there. It was found on February 22nd, 1996, between Pit 2 and Pit 3 to the north of the Pit 1, covering an area of about 4,600 square meters (5,500 square yards).
There are no terracotta soldiers, terracotta horses and other cultural relics, only backfilled soil in it. It could be that either funding or interest was lost.
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Exhibition Hall of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
The Exhibition Hall next to the pits offers an incredible insight into the historical context and artistry of the Terracotta Army. It houses various exhibits, including some of the best-preserved warrior statues, chariots, and artefacts uncovered during excavations.
Detailed explanations are provided about the construction techniques, the tools used by craftsmen, and the original vibrant colours that once adorned the figures. Here you also learn that the Terracotta Army is actually part of a wider complex of “after life” structures.
There was even a fortress built after the model of the imperial palace as well as various outposts to defend the army the ultimately Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
The museum also features multimedia displays that give a deeper understanding of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s vision and the purpose behind creating such a vast mausoleum.
Spending some time in the museum before or after exploring the pits greatly enriches the experience and helps put everything into perspective.
Interesting Facts about the Terracotta Army
Each pit reveals different aspects of the Terracotta Army figures—their roles, their significance, and their craftsmanship—all contributing to the grand picture of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s afterlife preparations.
The Terracotta Army figures were made to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Each figure is unique, with detailed expressions, armour, and weaponry reflecting the hierarchy of the army.
If you were wondering who made the Terracotta Army, it was constructed by thousands of artisans, craftsmen, and labourers under Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s orders. You might also ask yourself how long it took to build the Terracotta Army? Nearly 40 years. Impressive!
It’s interesting to note however, that you might even see on figurines an inscription which represents the name and city from which the artist came.
This was so the team leaders could perform quality checks and in case of any issues know who was the artist that made that exhibit. The meticulous craftsmanship speaks volumes about the ingenuity of ancient China.
Unfortunately, the reason the mausoleum looks like this nowadays is because the terracotta army was nearly destroyed during a rebellion against the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the 3rd century BC. The protestors set the mausoleum on fire and the roof came crashing down on the statues.
Where to Eat or Drink
After a full morning exploring the site, we were ready for a break. While there are a few food stalls near the entrance, the options are quite basic.
We didn’t bring snacks or water with us, which proved to be a mistake. There’s also a few small cafés inside the museum area, but it gets busy during lunchtime.
The food is mediocre but could be good in case you didn’t bring anything with you. We also tried some warrior shaped ice creams to add to the fun.
Once you finish your visit you will go through an open air shopping street full with restaurants, cafes, shops and many more. If you can wait till after your visit, we suggest you eat here. We only found out as we left the compound.
If you’d rather enjoy a proper meal, consider waiting until you’re back in Xi’an. The city offers a wide range of dining options to suit any budget or taste. Reflecting on the day over a delicious bowl of biangbiang noodles was a perfect end to our visit.
Key Tips for Visiting
Here are some things we wish we had known before visiting the Terracotta Army:
- Tickets and Tours: While it’s easy to explore the site on your own, a guided tour or audio guide is a great way to dive deeper into the details, like who discovered the Terracotta Army and how the Terracotta Army was discovered.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes are a must as there’s quite a bit of walking involved. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a hat if you’re visiting in the warmer months. We would even suggest considering to get some snacks or packed lunch as you will stay there quite a bit.
- Photography: Photography is allowed. It’s worth taking your time to get a good angle, especially in Pit 1, which is the largest and most visually impressive. However, you really have to be there very early.
Final Thoughts
Our visit to the Terracotta Army was a journey into the past, revealing fascinating facts about the Terracotta Army and the immense vision of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
The sheer scale of the site and the painstaking detail of each figure highlight the ingenuity and artistry of ancient China. Spending a whole day there gave us a chance to absorb the atmosphere and truly appreciate its historical significance.
For anyone visiting Xi’an, this is an experience not to be missed. Learning about where the Terracotta Warriors were found and their role in history has deepened our understanding of China’s cultural heritage. It’s a reminder of how much there is to discover in this vast and diverse country.
Ready to book? Below are some recommendations to get your trip started:
- Flights – we use flight aggregators such as Skyscanner and Google flights to find the best options. You can find more information about finding cheap flights here.
- Accommodation – would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com, Trip.com or Agoda to get the best rates. We also use TripAdvisor to read reviews.
- Transport – consider Rentalcars.com for car renting or if you rely on public transport, you can use Omio for trains, coaches, ferries, airport transfers and even flights.
- Activities – a great option is GetYourGuide, Klook or Viator for tours, excursions, experiences and tickets to many tourist attractions.
- Travel money – we have Starling Bank accounts (UK residents only) with 0% fees on FX and a good Mastercard exchange rate. Revolut is another good option.
- Internet abroad – with Airalo or Nomad you can access a wide range of eSIMs (digital SIM cards) available for different countries and regions.
- Luggage storage – if you need to store your bags whilst exploring the destination, you can use Radical Storage to find your closest luggage storage and enjoy your journey until the very end.
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