The Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking collection of life - size terracotta sculptures that once guarded the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. Constructed between 246 - 208 BCE, this vast army was buried to protect the emperor in his afterlife.

Discovered in 1974 by local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi, it has since become one of the world's most renowned archaeological finds. The site consists of multiple pits filled with thousands of detailed figures, including warriors, chariots, and horses, each with unique facial expressions, hairstyles, and clothing.

Recommended Visiting Time:

  • A comprehensive visit to the Terracotta Army, including the museum and mausoleum, typically takes 3 - 4 hours. If you start at 10 a.m. (leaving your hotel at 9 a.m.), you'll likely finish around 3 p.m.
  • Just visiting the Terracotta Army museum alone will take about 2 - 3 hours.
Best Time to Visit:
  • Spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring. However, these are also peak tourist seasons, so expect larger crowds, especially during holidays.
  • Summer (June - August) is hot, and since it's school vacation time, it's the peak tourist season, which means long queues (about 30 minutes to 1 hour).
  • Winter (December - February) is colder, with temperatures ranging from 0 °C (32 °F) to 5 °C (41 °F), but it's a quieter time to visit. Remember to dress warmly.
Recommended Activities:
  • Explore the Pits:
    • Pit 1: This is the largest and most impressive. It houses around 6,000 terracotta figures (with less than 2,000 on display), presenting a grand rectangular array of soldiers and horses facing east. The best views are often from the front corners.
    • Pit 2: Uncovers the mystery of the ancient army array. It's composed of four units with a mix of kneeling and standing archers, chariot war arrays, and combined infantry, chariot, and trooper forces.
    • Pit 3: The smallest but representing the command post, with only 68 terracotta figures, many of which are headless.
  • Visit the Exhibition Hall: Don't miss the display of the bronze chariots discovered in 1980. These intricately crafted carriages, with thousands of parts and adorned with gold and silver ornaments, are some of the best - preserved and highest - ranked ancient bronze relics in China.
  • Join a Guided Tour: To truly understand the history, significance, and stories behind the Terracotta Army, a guided tour is highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides can share fascinating details about the construction, the army's layout, and the techniques used to create these remarkable sculptures.

     

    Full - price Tickets

    The standard ticket price: RMB 120 yuan per person.

    You can go to the ticket windows or self - service ticket machines at the museum's ticket office with your passport to buy tickets. However, during peak tourist seasons such as Chinese public holidays (e.g., Labor Day, National Day) and summer vacations (late July - late August), there may be long queues.  It's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during these busy times.

    You can also experience these highly popular programs within the scenic area.

    Handmade Terracotta Army Activity

    • Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
    • Price: RMB 68.00  per person
    • Inclusions:
      • Clay materials for crafting
      • Guidance from professional instructors
      • Free tour of a 100 - year - old cave dwelling
      • Take - home your handmade terracotta warrior as a souvenir

    "An Army Reborn" Performance

    • Duration: 70 minutes
    • Price: RMB 268.00 per person
    • Showtimes:
      • Regular weekday shows at 12:40 PM, 14:10 PM, 16:40 PM (subject to adjustment or additional shows)
    • Highlights:
      • Immersive storytelling of Qin Dynasty history
      • Stunning visuals and dynamic choreography
      • An engaging way to explore China's historical heritage