Best Time to Visit Terracotta Army
The best time to visit the Terracotta Army during the year is from March to May in Spring and September to October in Autumn, when the weather is most pleasant. Besides, the off-season from November to February offers a more relaxed experience with fewer visitors. To maximize comfort and avoid congestion, try to steer clear of public holidays as much as possible. The hours from 8:30 to 9:30 or late afternoon after 16:00 also receive fewer tourists, and you can pay a visit at a leisurely pace.
Tip: Summer brings intense heat and heavy crowds due to school holidays. While the pits are air-conditioned, queues and walkways remain uncomfortable.
For an optimal visiting experience, weekdays outside public holidays, weekends, and summer vacations typically see fewer crowds.
Further Reading:
Best Seasons/Months to Visit the Terracotta Army
1. March to May & September to November - Ideal Mild Weather
The best months to visit are from March to May in spring and September to November in autumn, when the climate of Xi'an is neither hot nor cold. The mild weather allows for comfortable exploration of the warriors' intricate details and easy movement between the three main pits and Lishan Garden. Crowds during these periods are manageable compared to peak summer holiday, making them balanced months for sightseeing.
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| Terracotta Army in Spring |
2. December to February - Chilly but Less-Crowded
Winter from December to February, is chilly and dry, but visitor numbers also drop significantly, offering a more relaxed experience. A special highlight is December, when the afternoon sun casts a stunning golden glow on the warriors, creating unique photo opportunities. However, avoid late January to early February during Chinese New Year, when domestic tourism surges and crowds return.
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| Terracotta Army in December |
Tip: Summer brings intense heat and heavy crowds due to school holidays. While the pits are air-conditioned, queues and walkways remain uncomfortable.
Best Days to Visit - Non-holiday Days
1. Non-Chinese Public Holidays
As one of China's most famous attractions, the Terracotta Army experiences overwhelming crowds during national public holidays like the Chinese National Day holiday from October 1 - 7 and Labor Day from May 1 - 5. These periods see several times more visitors than usual days, resulting in long queues for ticket check, transportation, and pit entry. Visiting on regular weekdays can shorten your tour time from almost a full day to just 2 to 3 hours.
2. Non-Weekends, Especially Saturdays
Weekends, especially Saturdays, attract many local tourists and weekend trippers, creating larger crowds than weekdays. For a better experience, you can target Tuesday through Thursday visits if possible, when school groups and tour buses may be fewer.
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| Terracotta Warriors Museum during Holidays |
3. Non-School Vacation Periods
Summer vacation from July to August and the Chinese New Year holiday during January or February witness spikes in family visits.
Tip: If you cannot avoid visiting the Terracotta Army during China's public holidays, especially National Day, it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly on these days.
Tip: If you cannot avoid visiting the Terracotta Army during China's public holidays, especially National Day, it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly on these days.
Best Visiting Time Slots for the Terracotta Army
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| Terracotta Army in the Afternoon |
1. Early Morning (8:30 - 9:30)
Arriving before the opening allows you to join the first group of visitors, ensuring clear views of Pit 1. It's ideal for early risers, and arriving 30 minutes early helps avoid long queues. If the trip is over by noon, the rest of the day is available for you to have a look at the nearby Huaqing Pool or explore the city of Xi'an.
2. Late Afternoon (16:00 - 17:00)
Generally, many tourists may leave by 16:30, offering near-private viewing before the 17:00 last entry. Moreover, softer light during this time enhances the aesthetic appeal of the photos.
Tip: You can visit Lishan Garden first, then take the free shuttle to the Terracotta Army before 16:00.
Further Reading: - How to Visit Terracotta Army - A Comprehensive Visitor's Guide
- Avoiding Traps - Stay Away from Fake Terracotta Army
- Top 20 Questions about Terracotta Army
- How to Get to Terracotta Army from Beijing/ Shanghai/ Hong Kong
- How to Get to Terracotta Warriors from Xi'an
- How to Buy Terracotta Warriors Tickets
- Last updated on Jul. 09, 2025 by Doris Xue -