Tomb of Princess Yongtai
An awe-inspiring collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, guarding an ancient emperor in his afterlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Tomb of Princess Yongtai
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An awe-inspiring collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, guarding an ancient emperor in his afterlife.
"The sheer scale and intricate detail of the warriors truly are awe-inspiring."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance online to avoid long queues at the site. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Hire a Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance with an insightful local guide. :guide_dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pit 1: The Main Army
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Thousands of life-sized warriors, chariots, and horses stand in formation, a breathtaking testament to ancient power.
Pit 2: The Cavalry and Infantry
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Discover the diverse formations and weaponry of the Qin Dynasty's military might in this complex, multi-layered pit.
Pit 3: The Command Center
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
This smaller pit is believed to be the command post, offering insights into the army's strategic organization.
Bronze Chariots and Horses
Exhibition Hall
Marvel at the intricate details of these remarkably preserved ancient bronze masterpieces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Maximize Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance online to avoid long queues at the site. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Hire a Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance with an insightful local guide. :guide_dog:
☀️ Avoid Summer Heat
The brutal summer heat can make exploring difficult. Opt for cooler months for a more comfortable visit. :sunwithface:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple pits, so comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance online to avoid long queues at the site. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Hire a Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance with an insightful local guide. :guide_dog:
☀️ Avoid Summer Heat
The brutal summer heat can make exploring difficult. Opt for cooler months for a more comfortable visit. :sunwithface:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple pits, so comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🤳 Selfie Stick
A selfie stick can be helpful for capturing photos and videos in crowded viewing areas. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer scale and intricate detail of the Terracotta Army, calling it an unforgettable historical marvel. However, many note that extreme summer heat and overwhelming crowds can detract from the experience, making advance ticket booking and strategic timing crucial for enjoyment.
"A stunning site where this army was discovered. I recommend going with a guide and avoiding peak hours. I also advise against going there in the height of summer, as you will find rivers of people and you will not enjoy the visit at all. I recommend a stick for taking photos and videos with your phone."
Edoardo Carta
"Visiting Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum to see the Terracotta Army is undeniably a great opportunity to see one of the world's most important archaeological discoveries. I have always wanted to witness this historical marvel firsthand, and the sheer scale and intricate detail of the warriors truly are awe-inspiring. It is an incredible testament to ancient craftsmanship and imperial power.
However, my experience was definitely shaped by the elements. The brutal 104 F heat made the visit incredibly challenging. Walking between the various pits and exhibition halls under such intense sun, even with water, was quite draining. It certainly detracted from my ability to fully immerse myself in the historical significance of the site, as I was constantly seeking shade and a cooler spot. I strongly advise future visitors to check the weather and consider cooler months if possible.
Beyond the heat, the museum experience was typical for a major attraction in China, complete with massive crowds and queues. Navigating through the throngs of people to get a good view of the pits required patience and some strategic positioning. While the sheer number of visitors speaks to the site's popularity, it does mean that a serene, contemplative experience is hard to come by. I found myself waiting in lines for entry and to move between viewing areas.
Despite these challenges, seeing the Terracotta Army remains an unforgettable experience. It is a powerful historical site that every traveler should try to visit. Just be prepared for the heat, the crowds, and the typical museum flow you might encounter at such a popular destination."
Ryan Bagley
"Genuinely impressive to see what work has been put in this in former times. The excavations can be den from pretty close, so drystone of the soldiers can be observed pretty well. The site stretches over three big halls. There's also a museum showing other artefacts and explaining how everything was built.
Expect a lot of tourists especially in weekends and holidays. It can be very crowded in the main hall, for the rest it gets better.
Buying tickets in advance is smart. It is possible to get them in site but it's unnecessary waiting.
Behind the exit the way back to the parking lot is through a food street, so you don't have to go hungry.
Since the site is quite a bit outside the city, consider taking a driver for the day."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by public bus. Bus routes 306, 307, and 914/915 depart from Xi'an Railway Station and take about 40-60 minutes to reach the site. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but will be more expensive. Some travelers recommend hiring a driver for the day for convenience, especially if visiting other sites.
The Terracotta Army is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Xi'an's city center. The journey typically takes between 40 minutes to an hour by bus or car, depending on traffic conditions.
For a quicker and more direct journey, consider a private car or taxi. This allows you to set your own schedule and avoid bus transfers.
Yes, public buses like the 306 are essentially shuttle buses that run frequently from Xi'an Railway Station directly to the Terracotta Army site.
Currently, there is no direct subway line to the Terracotta Army. You will need to rely on buses, taxis, or private transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, which includes the Terracotta Army pits, is around 120 RMB during peak season and 100 RMB during the off-season. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
You can purchase tickets online in advance through official channels or third-party booking sites like Trip.com, which is highly recommended to avoid long queues. Tickets can also be bought on-site, but expect significant waiting times.
Yes, your passport is typically required for entry, especially if you purchased tickets online or are a foreign visitor. Make sure to have it with you.
The museum is generally open daily from early morning (around 8:30 AM) until late afternoon (around 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM), with hours sometimes extended during peak season. Always verify the exact hours before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children, but these often require specific identification and may only apply to Chinese citizens. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter or check the official website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully explore the three main pits and the exhibition halls, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you opt for a guided tour or want to delve deeper, you might need 5-6 hours.
The site features three main pits (Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3) housing the terracotta warriors, along with an exhibition hall displaying artifacts and the bronze chariots and horses.
Yes, the Terracotta Army is one of China's most popular attractions and can get extremely crowded, especially during holidays, weekends, and peak tourist seasons. Strategic timing and advance booking are key.
Yes, there are restaurants and food stalls within the museum complex. There's also a food street behind the exit on the way back to the parking lot.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Some specific exhibits might have restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewing platforms overlooking Pit 1 offer the most iconic and expansive shots of the warrior formations. Try to find vantage points that minimize the crowds.
Yes, crowds can make it challenging to get unobstructed shots. Patience and strategic positioning are necessary. A selfie stick can help get your phone above the heads of others.
Generally, photography is permitted, but flash is usually forbidden. Always look for signage indicating specific restrictions within certain exhibition areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of Pit 1. For details on individual warriors, a standard zoom lens works well. A phone with good low-light capabilities is also useful.
Absolutely not. Drones are strictly prohibited within the museum grounds for safety and preservation reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for younger ones, consider a shorter, focused tour of Pit 1, which is the most visually impactful. Engaging them with stories about the emperor and his army can also help. The museum is generally well-equipped with facilities, but planning for breaks is essential, especially during warmer months.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While hiring a guide can enhance the experience, it adds to the cost. You can save by researching the history beforehand or using audio guides if available. Focus on exploring the main pits, which offer the most significant visual impact, rather than trying to see every single exhibit if time or budget is a constraint.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Discovery of the Terracotta Army
The discovery has been hailed as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. The warriors are life-sized and each possesses unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor, suggesting they were modeled after real soldiers. This level of individualization is astonishing and provides invaluable insights into the military organization, craftsmanship, and artistry of ancient China.
While the tomb complex itself has been largely unexcavated due to preservation concerns, the pits that have been opened offer a breathtaking glimpse into this underground army. The ongoing research and preservation efforts continue to uncover more about this extraordinary historical treasure, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Understanding the Pits and Artifacts
Pit 2 is more complex, featuring cavalry, infantry, and chariots in a more varied formation, suggesting different military units. Pit 3 is the smallest and is believed to be the command post, with officers and a central chariot. Beyond the pits, the Exhibition Hall showcases other significant artifacts, most notably the incredibly detailed bronze chariots and horses, which are masterpieces of ancient metallurgy and artistry.
These artifacts, despite being over 2,000 years old, are remarkably well-preserved. Many were unfortunately looted or damaged by tomb raiders in antiquity, but the structural integrity of the tomb and the sheer volume of figures have allowed for significant archaeological study. The ongoing work aims to preserve these treasures for future generations while allowing visitors to marvel at their historical significance.
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