Terracotta Warriors Xi'an: Tickets & Guide

There are places you've seen a thousand times in photos, but which change completely once you understand the story behind them. That's certainly the case with the Terracotta Army of Xi'an, one of the most impressive archaeological finds on the planet. This incredible terracotta army of Qin Shi Huang is part of the vast mausoleum of China's first emperor. Today, the Museum of the Terracotta Army protects thousands of figures of soldiers, horses, and chariots, spread across three giant pits.

If you're looking for clear information on tickets for the Terracotta Army, you'll find everything you need to plan your visit right here on Trip.com.

🏺 What Is the Terracotta Army?

The Terracotta Army of Xi'an are one of those discoveries that change the way we understand history. This massive terracotta army of Qin Shi Huang wasn't created as a simple work of art, but as part of the first emperor of China's funerary complex.

Qin Shi Huang, who unified the country in the 3rd century BC, wanted to ensure he was protected in the afterlife too. And naturally, the solution was to raise an entire life-sized army of clay to guard his tomb within the gigantic Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang.

We're talking about more than 8,000 soldiers, plus horses, chariots, and officers, all lined up as if ready to head into battle. The curious thing is that every single figure is different: their hairstyles, armour, and facial expressions all vary… even the positioning of their hands.

What truly turned this place into an absolute wonder was its almost accidental discovery in 1974, when local farmers were digging a well in the area. This sparked excavations that continue to this day, revealing one of the most breathtaking burial complexes ever discovered. It's no coincidence that the site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

📍 Where Is the Terracotta Army Museum Located?

If you're wondering where the Terracotta Army is, the answer is quite simple: the complex is located in the Lintong District, about 24.5 miles (40 km) east of Xi'an. It's not right in the city centre, but it's not a difficult trip either. In fact, most travellers arrive in about an hour from Xi'an, whether by tourist bus, taxi, or an organised tour.

📍 Address of the Terracotta Army in Xi'an: Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

🎟️ Terracotta Army Tickets: Prices and How to Buy

When it comes to seeing the Terracotta Army, there's one thing you should be clear about from the start: you'll need to buy a ticket to enter. But given that it's one of the most important archaeological sites in China, that's hardly a surprise.

The great thing is that admission includes the entire museum, meaning you get access to the three main pits where thousands of soldiers are located, as well as the complex's exhibitions.

The truth is that the price for the Terracotta Army can vary a little depending on the season. For most of the year, it's around 120 Chinese yuan, although it can drop slightly during the low season.

This is an indicative price:

🕒 Terracotta Army Opening Hours

The opening hours for the Terracotta Army are pretty easy to remember. The museum is open from 08:30 to 17:00, although ticket sales end at 16:30, which is also the time for the last entry into the site. Now, here's a little tip that many travellers learn along the way: arriving first thing in the morning really makes a difference. From mid-morning onwards, tour groups start to arrive, and the atmosphere becomes much busier.

🗺️ The Three Main Pits of the Terracotta Army

One of the most surprising things when you arrive at the Terracotta Army museum is discovering that the famous army isn't all together in a single hall. The archaeological complex is organised into three main excavated pits, each with a different type of military formation. And, of course, that's part of the appeal of the visit: moving from one to the other and seeing how the army's structure changes.

What's more, the route through the museum usually follows the same order that we'll see below:

⚔️ Pit 1: the largest underground army

Pit 1 of the Terracotta Army is the star of the complex. To put it simply, this is where you'll find the museum's most iconic image: row upon row of life-sized soldiers, lined up as if ready for battle.

• It's the largest pit on the site, covering over 14,000 m².
• It is estimated to house more than 6,000 figures of soldiers and horses.
• The troops are organised in battle formation, with the infantry at the front and chariots behind.

To be honest, it's quite impressive when you walk into the pavilion and see the sheer scale of the place.

A little tip that usually works well: walk along the sides of the walkway first before heading to the centre. There are fewer people, and the views of the lined-up army are much clearer.

🏹 Pit 2: archers and cavalry

After the first one comes Pit 2, which many visitors tend to overlook. This is home to one of the most fascinating parts of the army. The real highlight is that this pit showcases specialised military units, giving you a much better understanding of how the emperor's army was organised.

Here you can see:

• Archers kneeling and standing, ready to fire.
• Cavalry units with terracotta horses.
• Strategic defensive formations.

If Pit 1 impresses with its sheer size, this one captivates with its intricate detail and military strategy. And that's where many visitors start to notice something curious: every single soldier has distinct facial features.

🛡️ Pit 3: the command centre

Pit 3 of the Terracotta Army is significantly smaller, but it plays a key role in the complex. This is where archaeologists believe the command post for Qin Shi Huang's funerary army was located.

To put it simply, it's like the headquarters of an underground army.

In this area, you'll find:

• Figures of high-ranking officers.
• A small ceremonial chariot.
• A formation that appears to represent a military council.

After seeing the other pits, this one seems more discreet. But, of course, that's where the historical detail lies: it shows how the army's hierarchy was structured.

📸 Best Photo Spots at the Terracotta Army

Taking photos of the Terracotta Army is almost as impressive as seeing them in person. Of course, once you step inside the museum, you quickly realise that not every spot offers the same perspective. It's all about knowing where to position yourself to truly capture the scale without your photo ending up looking too distant.

What's more, the pavilions are designed for viewing the excavations from raised walkways, so it's worth moving around a bit before you start snapping away. With just a few simple tips, you can capture some of the best photos in Xi'an without too much effort.

Here are a few spots that tend to work particularly well:

• The central walkway of Pit 1: this is where you get that classic panoramic view of the Terracotta Army, with hundreds of soldiers lined up towards the back. It's the most iconic image of the entire complex.
• Right side of Pit 1 (the less crowded area): from here, you get a better view of the side rows and the true depth of the army.
• Restored statue area in the display cases: this allows you to photograph details of the Terracotta Army much more closely, such as their faces, armour, or hairstyles.
• Archaeological excavation pavilions: in these areas, you can watch archaeologists at work as they restore ancient figures.

🚍 How to Get to the Terracotta Army from Xi'an

Getting to Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army from the centre of Xi'an is quite straightforward. The archaeological complex is located in the Lintong District, about 40 kilometres from the city, so it's really just a short excursion. That said, there are several ways to get there. It all depends on how much time you have and how you prefer to travel. To put it simply, these are the most common ways to make the trip:

Tourist Bus 306 (official route)

• It departs from the area near Xi'an Railway Station.
• The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
• It's the most budget-friendly option and a firm favourite among travellers.

Taxi or private car

• It's about a 40-50 minute journey from the city centre.
• It usually costs between 120 and 150 yuan, depending on the traffic.
• Perfect if you want to go direct with no stops.

Organised tours from Xi'an

• Includes transport, museum entry, and a guide.
• Many excursions also combine the visit with the Huaqing Palace or the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
• It's the most convenient option if you'd rather not worry about transport or tickets.

🏯 Things to Do Near the Terracotta Army

Once you've finished your visit to Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army, many people head straight back to Xi'an. But here's the thing: the Lintong District has several fascinating spots just minutes away from the museum. Since you're already there, it's well worth making the most of your day and exploring a little more of the area.

What's more, many of these attractions near the Terracotta Army are deeply connected to China's imperial history. Let's take a look:

🏛️ Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

To start with, the site most closely linked to the famous army is the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, located just a few kilometres from the museum. This is where the emperor who ordered the creation of the Terracotta Army is buried.

Now, here's a curious detail: the main tomb hasn't been opened yet. Archaeologists believe that inside there could be a massive burial chamber with rivers of mercury, just as ancient Chinese chronicles described. In short, the mystery is very much alive.

🏯 Huaqing Palace

Another spot that often pops up on itineraries for things to see near Xi'an is the Huaqing Palace. And honestly, the contrast with the Terracotta Army is quite intriguing.

This ancient imperial complex was famous for its thermal baths, which were used by emperors of the Tang dynasty. What's more, the gardens and pavilions are nestled at the foot of Mount Li, offering a landscape that feels quite different from the surrounding archaeological sites. To top it all off, the site is also linked to one of China's most famous historical episodes: the Xi'an Incident of 1936.

⛰️ Mount Li

And while we're in the area, Mount Li is practically right next to the Huaqing Palace. It's not a huge mountain, but it certainly holds significant historical importance.

Here you can find:

• Scenic trails with views of the Lintong Valley
• Small traditional temples
• Viewpoints from which you can best appreciate the landscape where the emperor's funerary complex was built

To be honest, heading up the mountain a little after visiting the museum really changes the pace of the day. You go from an archaeological site steeped in history to a much more tranquil setting.

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