Tomb of Princess Yongtai
An awe-inspiring collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, guarding an ancient emperor in his afterlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Tomb of Princess Yongtai
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An awe-inspiring collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, guarding an ancient emperor in his afterlife.
"The sheer scale and intricate detail of the warriors truly are awe-inspiring."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance online to avoid long queues at the site. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Hire a Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance with an insightful local guide. :guide_dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pit 1: The Main Army
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Thousands of life-sized warriors, chariots, and horses stand in formation, a breathtaking testament to ancient power.
Pit 2: The Cavalry and Infantry
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Discover the diverse formations and weaponry of the Qin Dynasty's military might in this complex, multi-layered pit.
Pit 3: The Command Center
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
This smaller pit is believed to be the command post, offering insights into the army's strategic organization.
Bronze Chariots and Horses
Exhibition Hall
Marvel at the intricate details of these remarkably preserved ancient bronze masterpieces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Maximize Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance online to avoid long queues at the site. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Hire a Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance with an insightful local guide. :guide_dog:
☀️ Avoid Summer Heat
The brutal summer heat can make exploring difficult. Opt for cooler months for a more comfortable visit. :sunwithface:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple pits, so comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Terracotta Warriors in Xi’An Questions
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance online to avoid long queues at the site. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Hire a Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance with an insightful local guide. :guide_dog:
☀️ Avoid Summer Heat
The brutal summer heat can make exploring difficult. Opt for cooler months for a more comfortable visit. :sunwithface:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple pits, so comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🤳 Selfie Stick
A selfie stick can be helpful for capturing photos and videos in crowded viewing areas. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer scale and intricate detail of the Terracotta Army, calling it an unforgettable historical marvel. However, many note that extreme summer heat and overwhelming crowds can detract from the experience, making advance ticket booking and strategic timing crucial for enjoyment.
"Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum (秦始皇帝陵博物院) — A Must-Visit, Truly the 8th Wonder
Visiting the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum is nothing short of breathtaking. This extraordinary site, often called the “8th Wonder of the World,” lives up to every bit of its reputation and more. Standing before the Terracotta Army, you immediately feel the weight of history, ingenuity, and ambition that shaped China over 2,000 years ago.
The sheer scale and craftsmanship are astonishing—thousands of life-sized warriors, each with unique facial features, expressions, and armor, silently guarding China’s first emperor in perfect formation. It’s humbling to realize that these figures were created without modern technology, yet display remarkable realism and artistic sophistication.
The museum itself is well organized and informative, with clear exhibits that guide visitors through the history of the Qin Dynasty, the unification of China, and the incredible archaeological discoveries made at the site. Walking through the massive pits, especially Pit 1, is an unforgettable experience that leaves you in awe of ancient engineering and vision.
Beyond the Terracotta Army, the surrounding mausoleum area adds depth to the visit, helping you appreciate the emperor’s grand plan for the afterlife and his lasting impact on Chinese civilization. The site is spacious, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for visitors from around the world.
This is not just a museum—it is a journey back in time, a powerful reminder of human creativity and ambition on a monumental scale. Whether you’re a history lover or a first-time visitor to China, the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum is an absolute must-visit and truly deserving of its title as a tremendous 8th wonder of the world."
markos paterakis
"Specialised tour guides will bring you around the museum, the content is extremely detailed and very clear. The exhibits are extremely interesting and alot of information is available. Older exhibits that used to be on display at Pit 2 (the 4 horses and chariot) were removed during Covid and are still currently in storage. Not too sure when they will be re-exhibited. The place is incredible and its best to book tickets early or go with a tour group since it can get incredibly crowded."
See Ray Ng
"Visiting the Terracotta Army is one of the most impressive experiences in China. Seeing thousands of clay warriors — each with unique facial features and details — is absolutely breathtaking. The site is well organized, with clear signs and a smooth visitor route. It’s best to come early in the morning to avoid the big crowds.
Tickets can be bought online, and there’s a free shuttle bus between the entrance and the main hall. You can also see exhibitions and reconstructions showing how the army was discovered. Overall, it’s a fascinating and unforgettable place — definitely worth visiting at least once in your lifetime."
Katarzyna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by public bus. Bus routes 306, 307, and 914/915 depart from Xi'an Railway Station and take about 40-60 minutes to reach the site. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but will be more expensive. Some travelers recommend hiring a driver for the day for convenience, especially if visiting other sites.
The Terracotta Army is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Xi'an's city center. The journey typically takes between 40 minutes to an hour by bus or car, depending on traffic conditions.
For a quicker and more direct journey, consider a private car or taxi. This allows you to set your own schedule and avoid bus transfers.
Yes, public buses like the 306 are essentially shuttle buses that run frequently from Xi'an Railway Station directly to the Terracotta Army site.
Currently, there is no direct subway line to the Terracotta Army. You will need to rely on buses, taxis, or private transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, which includes the Terracotta Army pits, is around 120 RMB during peak season and 100 RMB during the off-season. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
You can purchase tickets online in advance through official channels or third-party booking sites like Trip.com, which is highly recommended to avoid long queues. Tickets can also be bought on-site, but expect significant waiting times.
Yes, your passport is typically required for entry, especially if you purchased tickets online or are a foreign visitor. Make sure to have it with you.
The museum is generally open daily from early morning (around 8:30 AM) until late afternoon (around 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM), with hours sometimes extended during peak season. Always verify the exact hours before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children, but these often require specific identification and may only apply to Chinese citizens. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter or check the official website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully explore the three main pits and the exhibition halls, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you opt for a guided tour or want to delve deeper, you might need 5-6 hours.
The site features three main pits (Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3) housing the terracotta warriors, along with an exhibition hall displaying artifacts and the bronze chariots and horses.
Yes, the Terracotta Army is one of China's most popular attractions and can get extremely crowded, especially during holidays, weekends, and peak tourist seasons. Strategic timing and advance booking are key.
Yes, there are restaurants and food stalls within the museum complex. There's also a food street behind the exit on the way back to the parking lot.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Some specific exhibits might have restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewing platforms overlooking Pit 1 offer the most iconic and expansive shots of the warrior formations. Try to find vantage points that minimize the crowds.
Yes, crowds can make it challenging to get unobstructed shots. Patience and strategic positioning are necessary. A selfie stick can help get your phone above the heads of others.
Generally, photography is permitted, but flash is usually forbidden. Always look for signage indicating specific restrictions within certain exhibition areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of Pit 1. For details on individual warriors, a standard zoom lens works well. A phone with good low-light capabilities is also useful.
Absolutely not. Drones are strictly prohibited within the museum grounds for safety and preservation reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for younger ones, consider a shorter, focused tour of Pit 1, which is the most visually impactful. Engaging them with stories about the emperor and his army can also help. The museum is generally well-equipped with facilities, but planning for breaks is essential, especially during warmer months.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While hiring a guide can enhance the experience, it adds to the cost. You can save by researching the history beforehand or using audio guides if available. Focus on exploring the main pits, which offer the most significant visual impact, rather than trying to see every single exhibit if time or budget is a constraint.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Discovery of the Terracotta Army
The discovery has been hailed as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. The warriors are life-sized and each possesses unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor, suggesting they were modeled after real soldiers. This level of individualization is astonishing and provides invaluable insights into the military organization, craftsmanship, and artistry of ancient China.
While the tomb complex itself has been largely unexcavated due to preservation concerns, the pits that have been opened offer a breathtaking glimpse into this underground army. The ongoing research and preservation efforts continue to uncover more about this extraordinary historical treasure, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Understanding the Pits and Artifacts
Pit 2 is more complex, featuring cavalry, infantry, and chariots in a more varied formation, suggesting different military units. Pit 3 is the smallest and is believed to be the command post, with officers and a central chariot. Beyond the pits, the Exhibition Hall showcases other significant artifacts, most notably the incredibly detailed bronze chariots and horses, which are masterpieces of ancient metallurgy and artistry.
These artifacts, despite being over 2,000 years old, are remarkably well-preserved. Many were unfortunately looted or damaged by tomb raiders in antiquity, but the structural integrity of the tomb and the sheer volume of figures have allowed for significant archaeological study. The ongoing work aims to preserve these treasures for future generations while allowing visitors to marvel at their historical significance.
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