A visit to Xi'an would not be complete without seeing the Terracotta Army, the citys most iconic attraction. Located a short distance from the city center, the most convenient way to explore it is by booking a tour through a reliable agency.
For those preferring to visit independently, here is a comprehensive one-day guide to help you plan your trip efficiently.
Before Departure
1. Learn some basic information about Terracotta Army
►Location: in Lintong District of Xi'an, about a one-hour drive from downtown
►Opening Hours:
Peak season from March 16 to November 15: 8:30 - 18:30;
Off season from November 16 to March 15: 8:30 - 18:00
►What to See: Pit 1, Pit 2, Pit 3, and Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall in Terracotta Warriors Museum; the Museum of Bronze Chariots and Horses, Pit K0006, and Pit K9901 in Lishan garden
Read more: 10 Amazing Terracotta Army Facts You May Not Know
2. Select a suitable visiting time
The optimal time to visit the Terracotta Army is during the mild seasons, such as spring from March to May and autumn from September to November, on weekdays. To avoid large crowds and ensure a more comfortable experience, it is advisable to steer clear of public holidays such as Labor Day from May 1 to May 5 and the Chinese National Day holiday from October 1 to October 7.
See more details in Best Time to Visit the Terracotta Army
3. Buy a ticket in advance
Ticket to the Terracotta Army is priced at 120 CNY year-round. You can purchase tickets in advance via the official website or WeChat account of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, as well as authorized third-party travel agencies. No matter which way you choose, your passport information will be required. Online sales usually begin seven days ahead. As tickets sell out quickly during holidays, you'd better book tickets as early as possible.
You may like: How to Buy Terracotta Warriors Tickets?
Get to the Terracotta Army
Visitors can choose from the following transportation options based on group size, schedule, and their travel preferences:
1.
For individuals or small groups with not much luggage and ample time, public transport is recommended. You can take
Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station, then transfer to Lintong Bus 602 or Tourist Bus 613 to the Terracotta Army. The total journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs around 10 - 15 CNY.
 | | Huaqing Pool Metro Station | |  | | Direct Tourist Bus to Terracotta Army | |
2.
Direct tourist buses are also available, departing from popular locations such as the Yisushe Grand Theater near the
Bell Tower and the Dayanta Vienna Hotel near the
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The single ride takes about an hour and costs 30 CNY per person.
3.
For groups of 3 to 4 people or those with a tight schedule, taking a taxi is a convenient option. The one-way trip takes about an hour and costs approximately 160 - 220 CNY.
How to Get to Terracotta Army from Beijing/ Shanghai/ Hong Kong? Visiting the Terracotta Army
Route 1: Only Terracotta Warriors Museum - Most Popular Choice
Scheduling: Pit 1 → Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Exhibition Hall of Archaeological Discoveries
Recommended Visit Duration: about 2 - 3 hours
►After entering through the first ticket checkpoint, you can either walk about 10 minutes to the second ticket checkpoint or take a shuttle bus, approximately 5 minutes. The shuttle bus tickets are sold on the left side, right after the entrance. After the second ticket check, you will see the arched building on your left, which is Pit 1. Inside, you will find the largest and most impressive terracotta army formation, with thousands of lifelike terracotta figures and horses arranged orderly.
 | | Ticket Checkpoint | |  | | Terracotta Figures and Horses in Pit 1 | |
►Exiting through the rear door of Pit 1, descend the steps on the right to reach Pit 3. Although the smallest in size, Pit 3 is considered the command center of the entire army. It contains 68 figures and a chariot pulled by four horses.
 | | Kneeling Archer in Pit 2 | |  | | Terracotta Figures in Pit 3 | |
►After getting out of Pit 3, you will see Pit 2 nearby. This pit displays the most diverse types of terracotta figures, including kneeling archers, standing archers, and high-ranking officers. Additionally, its excavation is still ongoing, allowing visitors to observe onsite archaeological work.
►Finally, the building directly ahead on your left after exiting Pit 2 is the Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall. It showcases 230 cultural relics, all highlights from 50 years of archaeological excavations at the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, with one-third displayed for the first time. Here, visitors can get a close look at classic exhibits such as the purple-sleeves warrior, the golden camel, the first tripod of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, and stone armor and helmets.
 |
| Recommended Route to Visit Terracotta Army |
Route 2: Terracotta Warriors Museum + Lishan Garden - In-depth Exploration
Scheduling: Pit 1 → Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Exhibition Hall of Archaeological Discoveries → Shuttle bus → Entrance of the Lishan Garden → Pit K9901 → Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum & Pit K0006 → Exit of the Lishan Garden
Recommended Visit Duration: about 4 - 5 hours
►After visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, you will pass through a commercial street on your way from the exit to the shuttle bus for Lishan Garden. Keep in mind that there are no restaurants or shops near Lishan Garden, so if you visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum first, it is recommended to have lunch nearby before heading to the garden. Then, take the free shuttle bus opposite the Emperor Qin Shi Huang statue to Lishan Garden; the ride takes about 5 minutes. Upon entering Lishan Garden, it is advisable to purchase a sightseeing bus ticket on the left side of the entrance. Since the garden is quite large, this can help save your time and energy.
 | | Shuttle Bus Station to Lishan Garden | |  | | Sightseeing Bus in Lishan Garden | |
►Following the sightseeing bus, the first stop is Pit K9901, also known as the Acrobatics Figure Pit. Here, you can see restored figures depicting acrobatics in various postures and expressions, offering a vivid glimpse into the court entertainment of the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC).
 | | Appearance of Pit K9901 | |  | | Acrobatics Figure No.3 in Pit K9901 | |
►The second stop includes the Museum of Bronze Chariots and Horses and Pit K0006. The museum features two of China's largest, most intricate, and best-preserved bronze chariots and horses. Besides, an additional exhibition hall displays various chariot parts and decorations for closer viewing.
 | | Exquisite Bronze Chariot and Horses | |  | | Civil Official Figures in Pit K0006 | |
►Across from the museum is Pit K0006, where over 30 terracotta figures were excavated. Currently, four civil official figures are displayed in the front chamber: two sleeves-clasping figures and two charioteer figures. They exhibit a humble and refined demeanor, which shows a striking contrast to the stern warrior figures.
Tip:
To avoid crowds and enhance your experience, you can also visit Lishan Garden first, then the Terracotta Army.
Return to the downtown area of Xi'an
From the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, you can take Lintong Bus 613, or from Lishan Garden, take Lintong Bus 602 to Huaqing Pool Metro Station. Then, return to the city center by subway. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi directly from the scenic area's exit.
Tips:
If you still have time after visiting the Terracotta Army, you can go to the nearby Huaqing Palace and Mount Li, which are about 20 - 30 minutes away by car. In the evening, you can watch the Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance, a large-scale outdoor historical dance drama and one of the most popular shows, at Huaqing Palace. After the performance, you can return to the downtown area via subway or a tourist bus from Parking Lot D of Huaqing Palace. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
 |
| Song of Everlasting Sorrow |
FAQs
1. How can I get an English-speaking guide?
You can hire an official English-speaking guide or rent an audio guide inside the second ticket check entrance, on the left after entering Pit 1. The audio guide supports English and costs 30 CNY per person, while an English-speaking guide service is 500 CNY for up to five people. Please be reminded not to hire unofficial guides at the scenic area entrance.
2. Is there a luggage storage service at the Terracotta Warriors Museum?
 |
| Self-service Luggage Locker |
Yes, the museum offers both manual luggage deposits and self-service lockers. The manual luggage deposit is located east of the Ticket Center and is free, but please keep your storage tag safe. Green and yellow self-service lockers are easy to find inside the museum and near the entrance. Payment is made via WeChat scan. The self-service lockers cost between 5 and 10 CNY per hour, with a maximum daily cost ranging from 20 to 50 CNY. The cost depends on the size of your luggage and the storage time. If you cannot use WeChat, manual storage is recommended.
3. Where can I buy souvenirs?
There are four souvenir shops inside the museum, located at the exits outside Pit 3 and Pit 2, and near the museum exit. In these shops, you can purchase items such as Terracotta Warrior pendants, bronze sword keychains, fridge magnets, postcards, and Terracotta Army-themed canvas bags.
 | | Qin Terracotta Warriors Theme Post Office | |  | | Souvenir Shop in Terracotta Warriors Museum | |
4. Is there air conditioning in the museum?
Yes, air conditioning has been installed in each pit of the museum. The temperature inside is comfortable year-round, both in summer and winter.
5. Are wheelchairs or strollers available for rent at the museum?
Yes, wheelchairs and strollers can be borrowed for free at the Ticket Center near the main entrance.
- Last updated on Sep. 12, 2025 by Doris Xue -
