Visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi'an: Tickets, Pits and Tips

The Terracotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century: more than 8,000 life-size clay soldiers, horses and chariots, buried over 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Here's how to make the most of your visit.

Getting there

The museum is about an hour east of central Xi'an by car. Most visitors combine it with the city in a two-day stay, and many arrive in Xi'an by high-speed train from Beijing (about 4.5 hours).

What's in each pit

• Pit 1: the famous one. A vast hall with long rows of infantry facing east, plus an area where restorers still piece warriors together. Every face is different.
• Pit 2: smaller and partly excavated, with archers, cavalry and chariots. Look for the kneeling archer in the glass case: one of the best-preserved figures, with traces of original paint.
• Pit 3: the command post, with officers and a war chariot.
• Exhibition hall: the two bronze chariots, each pulled by four bronze horses, are a highlight.

How long to spend

Allow 3 to 4 hours at the site. Start with Pit 3 or Pit 2 and save Pit 1 for last, so the biggest view comes at the end.

Tickets and timing

• Tickets are booked with your passport number. Daily numbers are limited in busy seasons.
• Go early. Arriving at opening time beats the tour buses and gives the best light in Pit 1.
• Avoid Chinese public holidays (1–5 May and 1–7 October) if you can. See the best time to visit China.

Make it a full day

Add the nearby Huaqing Palace hot springs, then return to Xi'an for the city wall at sunset and dinner in the Muslim Quarter, famous for its street food.

How we help

A good guide turns rows of statues into a story: who the emperor was, how the army was found by farmers digging a well in 1974, and what the archaeologists are still discovering. We book your tickets, collect you from your hotel and have you at the gate at opening time. Ask us on WhatsApp.

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