Ultimate Guide to the Terracotta Army: Tickets, Tours, and Must-See Highlights in Xi’an

Michael Zhang – an experienced Chinese travel expert with extensive international travel experience – brings you on an exploration of one of the world’s most significant historical treasures, the Terracotta Army. I’m passionate about sharing insights into history, culture, and deep travel experiences. In this guide, I aim to not only help travelers appreciate the wonders of these ancient relics but also provide practical advice for a memorable visit. Join me on this journey to uncover the mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors, a true cultural marvel.

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Introduction to the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army, also known as the Terracotta Warriors or Qin Terracotta Warriors, is located in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, about 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum. Recognized globally, this archaeological wonder has attracted over 200 foreign heads of state and government leaders, establishing it as a powerful symbol of ancient China’s brilliance. It ranks among the world’s most precious ancient tomb treasures.

Historically, the Terracotta Army represents a form of burial art where ancient slaves were buried alongside their masters. In Qin Shi Huang’s time, these life-sized terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots replaced human sacrifices, symbolizing the protection of the Emperor in the afterlife.

Discovered in March 1974, the Terracotta Army site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, and it is often hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

• Address: Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
• Opening Hours:
  • March 16 to November 15: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • November 16 to March 15: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Suggested Visit Duration: 3 hours
• Best Time to Visit: Open year-round
• How to Buy Tickets: Click to Purchase

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Why Visit the Terracotta Army?

The Terracotta Army is not only visually captivating but also of immense historical, cultural, and artistic importance. By observing these statues, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the military strategies, craftsmanship, and societal structures of the Qin Dynasty. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the scale and detail of the Terracotta Army offer a unique glimpse into ancient Chinese civilization.

Why Were the Terracotta Warriors Created?

Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the creation of the Terracotta Warriors to safeguard his soul and authority in the afterlife. This vast army of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses was built to stand by him, defending against any threats he might encounter after death. These warriors symbolize the Emperor’s power and his desire for continued rule beyond the physical world.

Terracotta Army Map

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Things to Do at the Terracotta Army Museum

Explore Key Highlights within the Terracotta Army Site

The Terracotta Army complex consists of several main sections, including Lishan Garden, Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3. Each of these areas offers unique insights into the history and grandeur of the Qin Dynasty. Here’s an overview of each area:

Lishan Garden (Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang)

Lishan Garden serves as the primary area of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum, showcasing the vastness and authority of the Qin Empire. Covering an expansive area, the layout reflects the architectural features of the Emperor’s burial grounds, offering visitors an up-close look at the unique design of a Qin imperial mausoleum. As you walk through, you can feel the historical weight of the place and gain a deep understanding of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s vision and governance philosophy.

Pit 1

As the largest excavation site, Pit 1 spans approximately 14,260 square meters and contains over 6,000 intricately crafted terracotta soldiers and horses. The pit highlights the power and precision of the Qin military, with rows of soldiers arranged in battle formation. Each figure is meticulously detailed, capturing the essence of the ancient warriors and providing a breathtaking visual impact.

Pit 2

Pit 2 represents the diversity of the Qin military. This pit displays a combination of crossbowmen, foot soldiers, cavalry, and chariots, showcasing the strategic planning and tactical flexibility of Qin’s military structure. Each troop type is positioned according to its combat role, offering a fascinating look at the sophisticated organization and high level of skill within the Qin forces.

Pit 3

Known as the command center, Pit 3 is smaller in scale but symbolizes the wisdom and authority of the military leadership. With a limited number of terracotta figures and tools, this pit emphasizes the unique command system that the Qin dynasty used, helping visitors understand the distinct organizational structure and strategic depth behind Qin’s military might.

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Terracotta Army Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

• Adult Ticket: 120 RMB, applicable for visitors aged 16-65
• Discount Policy: Children under 16 and seniors over 65 can enter free of charge
• Included Access: Tickets to the Terracotta Army include entry to the Lishan Garden area

Note: Tickets are sold by time slots. While you may enter outside your reserved slot, it’s best to arrive during the designated time for a smoother experience.

How to Purchase Tickets

• Online: Tickets can be purchased directly on the official website or through a travel agency. How to Buy Tickets: Click to Purchase
• On-site: Self-service ticket machines are available at the site. Simply enter your passport name and number as prompted to complete the purchase.

Shuttle Service within the Park

• Electric Shuttle Price: 15 RMB per person, with unlimited use for the day
• Tip: For the best views, consider sitting in the last row of the shuttle.

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Terracotta Army Guided Tours

To fully appreciate the historical background and artistry of the Terracotta Army, guided tours are available in the main areas of the site.

Lishan Garden Tour

This tour includes visits to the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, K9901, K0006, and the Bronze Chariot Museum.

• Foreign Language Guides (English and Japanese): 500 RMB per guide, for groups of up to 5 people, lasting 60-90 minutes
• Chinese Guides: 300 RMB per guide, also for groups of up to 5, lasting 60-90 minutes

Terracotta Army Museum Tour

This tour covers the key attractions of the Terracotta Army Museum, including Pits 1, 2, and 3.

• Foreign Language Guides (English and Japanese): 500 RMB per guide, for groups of up to 5 people, lasting 60-90 minutes
• Chinese Guides: 300 RMB per guide, for groups of up to 5, lasting 60-90 minutes

Tip: The site has unofficial guides, so it’s best to book through a travel agency in advance to ensure quality and authenticity.

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Recommended Terracotta Army Tour Route

For an ideal experience, it’s best to start your tour at Lishan Garden in the morning, when crowds are lighter. Later in the afternoon, head over to the Terracotta Army, as most guided tours will have shifted to Lishan by then. After exploring Lishan Garden, take the free shuttle to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum.

• Lishan Garden Route: Entrance → K9901 Burial Pit → Bronze Chariot Museum → K0006 Burial Pit → Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum → Exit
• Terracotta Army Route: Pit 1 → Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Exhibition Hall

Tips: The pits within the Terracotta Army Museum are not air-conditioned. In summer, it can feel like a sauna, so bringing a small handheld fan can help you stay cool.

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Terracotta Army Stamps and Souvenirs

After exploring the Terracotta Army, visitors can collect special stamps and shop for unique souvenirs to remember their visit.

Official Gift Shop

• Location: Left of the exit from Pit 2
• Stamp Information:
  • A free basic stamp is available at the entrance, although the ink is light and may not imprint clearly.
  • With any in-store purchase, guests can also receive a basic stamp.
  • Buying select items entitles guests to a specialty commemorative stamp.

Terracotta Army Post Office

• Location: Near the main exit
• Stamp Information:
  • A free colorful stamp is available at the entrance.
  • Inside the shop, there are two unique themed postal stamps, perfect for collectors and souvenir enthusiasts.

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Can I Take a Terracotta Warrior Home?

Although taking home an actual Terracotta Warrior isn’t possible, you can purchase official replicas as a memorable keepsake. There is a wide selection of Terracotta Warrior models, including sets with three figurines, priced around 1,350 RMB. These models closely resemble the appearance and details of the real warriors, making them an ideal way for visitors to bring a piece of this historical treasure back home.

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How to Get to the Terracotta Army from Downtown Xi’an

Metro and Bus Option

• Metro Route: Start by taking Metro Line 1 from the city center to Textile City Station. From there, transfer to Line 9 and travel to Huaqing Pool Station.
• Bus Connection: Exit Huaqing Pool Station at Exit C and walk about 200 meters to Huaqing Pool Bus Station. From here, take bus 613 or bus 602 directly to the Terracotta Army Station.

Direct Shuttle Bus

• Boarding Location: The shuttle departs from Bell Tower Metro Station, Exit G1.
• Departure Times: The shuttle runs twice daily at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, with a travel time of approximately one hour.
• Ticket Price: 25 RMB for adults and 20 RMB for children.

Taxi Option

• Travel Time: A taxi ride from downtown Xi’an to the Terracotta Army Museum takes about 40-50 minutes.
• Estimated Cost: Approximately 120 RMB.

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Recommended Food Near the Terracotta Army

After touring the Terracotta Army, try these local food spots for a taste of Xi’an’s culinary offerings:

• Terracotta Warrior Ice Cream: Shaped like a mini Terracotta Warrior, this ice cream costs about 20 RMB and offers a fun and tasty souvenir.

• Wei’s Liangpi: Specializing in cold noodles and the famous Chinese “burger,” roujiamo, this spot has an average cost of 20 RMB per person. Address: Service Area F15-01, Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors Museum, Lintong District, Xi’an.
• Lao Yang’s Beef and Lamb Paomo Shop: Known for noodle-based dishes, including paomo, dumplings, and biangbiang noodles, with an average spend of 35 RMB. Address: Terracotta Warrior Tourism Plaza, Lintong District, Xi’an.

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How to Make a Terracotta Warrior

Creating a Terracotta Warrior is an intricate process that involves four main steps:

1. Shaping The basic shape is formed using a coiling technique, with artisans combining clay strips to build up the structure. The head and hands are sculpted separately, then carefully attached to the body—hands at the sleeves and the head at the neckline.
2. Detail Carving Fine details, such as facial expressions, armor, and clothing, are meticulously carved to bring each figure to life. Every warrior has unique facial features, representing the “thousands of faces” style that reflects individuality.
3. Firing After carving, the warriors are fired in kilns, where precise temperature control is critical to achieve the required hardness and color.
4. Painting Once the warriors are fired, they are painted to add historical and realistic touches. This step occurs after firing to enhance the figures’ lifelike appearance.

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How Was the Terracotta Army Discovered?

The Terracotta Army was discovered by accident in 1974. A farmer named Yang Hongsheng, while digging a well in a rural area near Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, stumbled upon a fragment of clay pottery. Upon finding more fragments, he reported his discovery to local authorities. This sparked interest, leading archaeologists to investigate further. Through extensive excavation, archaeologists uncovered massive underground pits filled with thousands of life-sized terracotta figures. Buried as part of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, these soldiers were meant to protect and serve the Emperor’s spirit in the afterlife.

The discovery caused a global sensation, drawing widespread research interest. It has since provided historians and archaeologists with invaluable insights into China’s ancient military and cultural practices.

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Did the Terracotta Warriors Hold Weapons?

Yes, the Terracotta Warriors were armed. Many figures originally held weapons such as bows, crossbows, spears, swords, and curved blades. Remarkably, some of these weapons remained sharp upon excavation, reflecting the exceptional skill of Qin Dynasty craftsmen.

There are theories about why the weapons were eventually lost. Some suggest that after Xiang Yu, a rebel leader, entered the area of Guanzhong, he may have looted and damaged the Terracotta Army for revenge. However, historical records provide limited information on this claim, so it remains unverified.

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Why Should We Preserve the Terracotta Warriors?

The Terracotta Army is an invaluable part of China’s cultural heritage. As an extension of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, these figures embody the military, cultural, and artistic achievements of the Qin Dynasty. The warriors represent ancient burial practices and offer insights into the military systems and social life of their time. Preserving the Terracotta Army is crucial for the continued study and understanding of ancient Chinese history and culture.

However, these figures are highly delicate. Despite ongoing restoration efforts, the materials and preservation environment make them vulnerable to damage. Advanced techniques like hyperspectral color analysis and 3D modeling are essential in their preservation, ensuring the integrity and historical value of these figures for generations to come.

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Types of Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors fall into two main categories: soldiers and military officers. Military officers are further divided into lower, middle, and high ranks. Soldiers generally don’t wear crowns, while officers do, with their crowns differing based on rank. Their armor also varies, reflecting their rank and role. The warriors include infantry, cavalry, and chariot soldiers, each equipped with distinct weapons based on their specific battlefield function.

Among the types, the infantry warriors are the most numerous, typically holding bronze weapons such as bows, crossbows, arrows, lances, spears, daggers, and swords. Wearing tightly plated armor, they often have colorful tassels on their chests. Officers, wearing tall crowns, are more numerous than generals. The features of the Terracotta Warriors vary by face shape, body size, expression, and even eyebrow and eye shape, capturing a realistic sense of diversity.

Chariot Soldiers

These warriors man the war chariots, excluding the driver. Generally, each chariot includes two soldiers known as the left and right chariot guards. The left guard, dressed in long robes with armor and shin guards, holds long weapons such as spears and halberds, while the right guard mirrors this attire but stands in the opposite position. Both guards function as primary fighters on the chariot, though historical records indicate some variation in their roles and weapons. In addition to these guards, some chariots include an officer responsible for command, further illustrating the organized hierarchy within the Qin army.

Standing Archer Warriors

The standing archer warriors are unique, found at the eastern end of Pit 2. Equipped with crossbows, these archers form a military unit with the kneeling archers, positioned at the front line. Lightly dressed in robes, their posture is precise, echoing the ancient text “Wu Yue Chun Qiu,” which describes archery techniques: “The left foot points forward, the right foot sideways, left hand as if supporting a branch, right hand as if holding a child.” This positioning reflects the advanced archery skills of the Qin era.

Kneeling Archer Warriors

Found alongside the standing archers, the kneeling archers in Pit 2 hold crossbows and are positioned at the core of the formation. Dressed in robes and armor, they kneel with one leg bent and the other flat, with their bodies slightly turned and hands poised for shooting. One notable detail is the meticulous stitching on the soles of their shoes, showcasing a high degree of realism and artistry. This kneeling archer is one of the few complete figures discovered, with some red paint still visible on the armor, making it a rare and valuable piece.

Infantry Warriors

These standard soldiers, averaging about 1.8 meters in height, form the main force of the army. They are divided into two groups based on attire: robe-clad soldiers, who are typically on the outer lines for maneuverability, and armored soldiers, who stand in the center for stability. Both groups hold actual weapons and exhibit a poised, calm readiness that hints at underlying strength.

Officer Warriors

Below the general rank, these officers come in middle and lower levels and are relatively rare, with fewer than ten found across the pits. They wear either robes or armor, with robe-clad officers having a simple chest knot, while armored officers have eight colorful knots across their chests, back, and shoulders, symbolizing their authority and status. Officers differ from generals not only in attire but in demeanor as well. Although less physically imposing, they stand tall and stern, often conveying thoughtfulness and discipline.

Cavalry Warriors

Found primarily in Pits 1 and 2, the cavalry warriors total 116 and were used for swift maneuvers during battle. Their attire, tailored for agility, includes small round caps, fitted sleeves, knee-length pants, short boots, and lightweight armor. One hand holds the reins, while the other grips a bow. This agile uniform reflects the strategic importance of mobility for ancient cavalry units. The cavalry warriors in Pit 2 are the earliest known examples of mounted soldiers in Chinese archaeology, providing valuable information on early cavalry uniforms and equipment.

Chariot Drivers

Drivers of the war chariots, these warriors were unearthed in all three pits. Wearing long robes and full armor, with arm guards extending to the wrists and protective gear for the legs and neck, they hold the reins in a forward position. Due to the destructive power of chariots in ancient warfare, drivers held a critical role, often impacting the outcome of battles directly.

Terracotta Horses and War Chariots

In front of each chariot are four terracotta horses. These horses, closely resembling real horses in size, stand about 2.10 meters in length and 1.72 meters tall. With identical, majestic poses, each has cropped manes and bound tails. The two middle horses have forward-facing ears, while the two outer ones slightly tilt their heads outward, as if ready to charge. These terracotta horses are modeled after actual horses found in Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s stables, known for their small size, short necks, and broad heads, characteristics of the Hequ breed from present-day Gansu Province.

Saddled Horses

Unearthed in Pit 2, these saddled horses stand at a height of 1.72 meters. Compared to modern horses, they have heavier heads, prominent nasal bones, thicker necks, and a broader chest. These saddle horses provided a valuable reference point for understanding ancient equestrian practices, with archival records suggesting their breeding and training were managed by state officials to ensure the quality of horses used by the army.

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FAQ

Is stroller rental available at the Terracotta Army site?

Yes, stroller rentals are available. The visitor service center, located to the west of the North Plaza ticket gate, offers strollers and wheelchairs to make visits easier for families with young children and visitors with mobility needs.

Can I take photos inside the Terracotta Army museum?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Terracotta Army museum. However, to protect these historical artifacts, flash photography is not permitted.

Are there services available for elderly or disabled visitors?

Yes, the Terracotta Army site provides assistance for elderly and disabled visitors. The visitor service center offers detailed information on accessible facilities, including wheelchairs, accessible pathways, and other accommodations designed to enhance the experience for all guests.