Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour: How to Visit & Travel Tips
A visit to the Terracotta Warriors is a main reason travelers come to Xi’an. Located about 40 kilometers east of central Xi’an, the Terracotta Warriors can be visited as a half-day trip or combined with other sights in a full-day itinerary.
Before you go, you’ll need to decide how much time to allow, how to get there, and whether to visit independently or with a guide. These choices affect how much time you spend on the road and how much time you have at the museum.
Here’s what to know about planning a Xi’an Terracotta Warriors tour, including tour options, suggested itineraries, tickets, visiting time, transportation, and practical tips.
Quick Links: Plan Your Terracotta Warriors Visit
- How to Plan Your Visit to the Terracotta Warriors
- What You’ll See at Terracotta Warriors Museum
- How to Get to the Terracotta Warriors from Xi’an
- Best Time to Visit Terracotta Warriors
Terracotta Warriors Tickets and Opening Hours
Book your entrance tickets in advance. The Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum uses a real-name reservation system.
Ticket Information
The standard entrance ticket for the Terracotta Warriors Museum is generally:
- Around RMB 120 per person
The ticket normally covers access to:
- Pit 1
- Pit 2
- Pit 3
- Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition Hall
Opening Hours
The museum opening schedule varies slightly by season:
- March 16 – November 15: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM entry period
- November 16 – March 15: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM entry period
The museum tends to get crowded later in the morning, especially during major Chinese public holidays. Arriving around opening time gives you a better chance to explore the main pits.
Tip: Ticket prices and opening hours may change, so check the official website of the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum before your visit. This is especially important during public holidays, when visiting arrangements may be adjusted.
How to Plan Your Visit to the Terracotta Warriors
You can visit the Terracotta Warriors independently or join a guided tour from Xi’an. Tours are available as half-day or full-day itineraries, with private and group options depending on how you prefer to travel.
Visiting Terracotta Warriors Independently or Taking a Guided Tour
Both options work, and the better choice depends on your travel style and schedule.
Visiting the Terracotta Warriors Independently
Traveling independently gives you more flexibility. You can choose when to leave Xi’an, decide how long to stay at the museum, and explore the exhibits at your own pace.
However, you need to arrange your own transport, ticket reservation, and sightseeing time.
The Terracotta Warriors site is large. If you visit without some background information, it can be difficult to understand what the different pits, military formations, and archaeological discoveries represent. The museum’s information panels and audio guide can help, but if you want a more detailed explanation, you may need a guide.
Taking a Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour
A Xi’an Terracotta Warriors tour usually includes transportation between Xi’an and the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, time to explore the excavation pits, and the return journey. With a guided tour, the main details, such as transportation and museum admission, are usually arranged in advance.
A tour can be useful for:
- First-time visitors to Xi’an
- Travelers with limited time
- Families or small groups
- Visitors who want historical explanations from a local guide
A guide can help you understand what you are looking at, and explain the history of the Qin army, the purpose of each pit, and how the site was discovered.
Which Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour Should You Choose?
The best option depends on your schedule, who you are traveling with, and what you want to see in Xi’an on the same day.
| Tour Type | Duration | Best For |
| Half-Day Tour | Around 5–6 hours | Travelers with limited time |
| Full-Day Tour | Around 8–10 hours | First-time visitors |
| Private Tour | Flexible | Families, couples, and small groups |
| Group Tour | Fixed schedule | Travelers who prefer a set schedule and group travel |
Half-Day Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour
A half-day tour is a practical choice if your main goal is to visit the Terracotta Warriors.
The museum visit usually covers:
- Pit 1, the largest excavation area
- Pit 2, showing different military formations
- Pit 3, the command center of the underground army
- The Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition
Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours visiting the museum.
Full-Day Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour
A full-day tour is suitable for travelers who want to visit the Terracotta Warriors and other attractions in Xi’an on the same day.
Depending on the itinerary, you may combine the museum with:
- Xi’an City Wall
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Muslim Quarter
- Other historical sites in the city
Private Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour
A private tour offers more flexibility compared with fixed group schedules.
Depending on the arrangement, you may have:
- An earlier or later departure time
- Private transportation
- More time at areas that interest you
Private tours can also be adjusted around your flight or train times and other activities in Xi’an.
Group Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour
A group tour follows a fixed schedule and uses shared transportation.
It usually includes:
- Shared transportation
- A fixed schedule
- A guide shared with other travelers
A group tour can work well for solo travelers or visitors who prefer a simple sightseeing arrangement.
Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour Itinerary: What to Expect
A typical half-day Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour takes about 5-6 hours from departure in Xi’an to the return journey. The exact timing can vary depending on where you start, traffic conditions, and how long you spend at the museum.
07:30–08:00 — Departure from Xi’an
Start your day with a pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. Before leaving, make sure you have your passport or other required identification ready for the museum entrance.
08:00–09:00 — Travel to the Terracotta Warriors Museum
The drive from central Xi’an usually takes about an hour, although traffic can make the journey longer.
Along the way, a local guide will introduce you to Xi’an, the Qin dynasty, and the history of the Terracotta Army, giving you some background before you arrive at the museum.
Once at the museum, go through the ticket check and security before heading to the main areas.
Wear comfortable shoes, because you will be walking between the entrance, excavation pits, and exhibition areas.
09:30–12:00 — Explore the Terracotta Army Pits
After passing through security, you can take an electric shuttle for RMB 5 per person one way or walk for about 10–15 minutes to the second entrance for another ticket check. Pit 1 is directly ahead once you pass through the second entrance. A practical sightseeing route is Pit 1 → Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition.
Your guide will explain what you are seeing as you move through the pits, including the
different military formations, the discovery of the site, and what archaeologists have learned
from the excavations.
A complete visit usually requires around 2–3 hours, giving you enough time to see the main areas without rushing.
12:00–13:00 — Head Back to Xi’an
After finishing at the museum, return to Xi’an by the tour vehicle. The journey normally takes about an hour, although traffic can affect the actual travel time.
Once back in the city, you can have lunch and continue with your afternoon plans.
What You’ll See at Terracotta Warriors Museum
The museum includes several excavation pits and exhibition areas, each showing a different aspect of Qin Dynasty military organization and burial culture.
Pit 1 — The Main Terracotta Army Formation
Pit 1 is the largest of the three main excavation pits and is usually the first area visitors see.
It is about 230 meters long and 62 meters wide, covering roughly 14,260 square meters. It is estimated to have held around 6,000 terracotta soldiers and horses, as well as numerous bronze weapons.
From the viewing area, you can see long rows of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in military formation. The scale of the pit gives you a clear idea of how large the underground army was.
Look closely at the figures rather than only taking in the overall scene. Their hairstyles, clothing, armor, and poses are not all the same.
Pit 2 — Different Military Units and Formations
Pit 2 is smaller than Pit 1 but contains a wider variety of military formations. It is roughly 124 meters long and 98 meters wide, covering about 6,000 square meters. Archaeologists estimate that it contains more than 1,300 terracotta soldiers and horses.
The excavation area includes different types of soldiers, including:
- Standing Archers and Kneeling Archers
- Infantry
- Cavalry
- Chariot units
Some parts of the pit are still being excavated, so you can see both exposed figures and areas that remain uncovered. With its wider range of military units, Pit 2 gives you a closer look at how different parts of the Qin army were organized.
Pit 3 — The Command Center
Pit 3 is the smallest of the three main pits, covering about 520 square meters. It has a distinctive U-shaped layout and contains around 72 terracotta soldiers and horses.
Based on its layout and the figures found here, some scholars believe it may have served as a command center for the armies in Pits 1 and 2.
Compared with the massive scale of Pit 1, Pit 3 allows you to focus more on how the figures are arranged and consider how this smaller pit may have functioned within the larger military formation.
Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition
The Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition is another important stop at the museum.
The two bronze chariots discovered near Qin Shi Huang’s tomb are detailed replicas made with extraordinary craftsmanship.
Look for:
- Intricate bronze details
- Ancient vehicle design
- Advanced craftsmanship from over 2,000 years ago
Unlike the large excavation pits, the exhibition lets you see the fine details of the bronze chariots up close.
If you have limited time, spend most of your time at Pit 1, then see Pit 3 and Pit 2 before continuing to the Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition.
How to Get to the Terracotta Warriors from Xi’an
Getting to the museum takes some planning because it is outside central Xi’an.
Private Vehicle or Tour Transportation
A private vehicle or tour transfer takes you directly from Xi’an to the museum. The drive from central Xi’an usually takes about 1 hour.
This option is especially useful for families, travelers with limited time and visitors combining multiple attractions.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taking a taxi or ride-hailing service is another practical option. It provides a direct route and
you can leave whenever you want.
The main thing to plan is the return journey. Travel times can increase during busy periods.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is possible, but getting to the Terracotta Warriors involves several transfers. You can use the metro to connect with Line 9 toward Huaqingchi Station, then take a local bus to the museum.
The exact route depends on where you start. For example:
- From Xi’an North Railway Station: Take Metro Line 2 to Beidajie Station, transfer to Line 1 to Fangzhicheng Station, then take Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station. From there, take Lintong Tourist Bus 613 to Qinyong Village or Lintong Bus 602 to the Terracotta Warriors.
Check the latest metro and bus routes before your trip, as public transportation routes and services can change.
Best Time to Visit Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors can be visited throughout the year, but the experience varies with the season and the number of visitors.
Visit Early in the Morning
Morning visits are often recommended because:
- The museum is usually less crowded
- Summer temperatures are more comfortable earlier in the day
- You have more time to explore
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring (March–May)
Spring usually brings mild temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from about 10°C to 29°C. It offers comfortable conditions for sightseeing, making it a good time to visit the museum and other outdoor attractions in Xi’an.
Autumn (September–November)
Average temperatures range from about 15°C to 25°C during autumn, with the weather becoming cooler from September to November. This is another comfortable time to visit Xi’an.
Summer can be hot, particularly when you are walking outdoors, while winter is generally colder. If you are mainly interested in the museum itself, however, the season matters less than choosing a time that fits your itinerary.
Avoiding Crowds
If possible, avoid major Chinese public holidays and peak travel periods. The museum can become particularly crowded during national holidays. You can visit on a regular weekday and arrive early.
Tips for Your Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour
The museum is well set up for visitors, but it is large and takes time to explore. Plan for plenty of walking and allow enough time to see the main pits and exhibitions without rushing.
1. Book Your Tickets in Advance
The Terracotta Warriors Museum requires advance reservation, especially during busy travel periods. If you join a Xi’an Warriors Tour, ticket booking is usually handled as part of the tour arrangements. Make sure your passport details used for the reservation are correct.
2. Allow Enough Time for the Visit
Most visitors need around 2–3 hours at the museum, in addition to the travel time between Xi’an and Lintong. Avoid scheduling another activity too soon afterward, particularly if you are traveling during a busy period.
If you have a train or flight later in the day, leave extra time for traffic on the way back to Xi’an.
3. Bring Water and Sun Protection
Some parts of the visit involve outdoor walking, and summer temperatures in Xi’an can be high. Bring drinking water and consider carrying sunscreen and a hat during the warmer months.
4. Consider Combining the Visit with Other Xi’an Attractions
If you have more than one day in Xi’an, the Terracotta Warriors can be combined with other historic sites. Popular attractions include Xi’an City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower and Shaanxi History Museum.
A full-day itinerary also gives you more time to explore Xi’an, the ancient capital of multiple Chinese dynasties.
❓People Also Ask
How long do I need at the Terracotta Warriors?
Plan on around 2–3 hours at the museum. This is generally enough to see Pits 1, 2, and 3 and the Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition. If you enjoy photography, history, or taking your time with the exhibits, you may need more time.
Can I take photos inside the Terracotta Warriors Museum?
Photography is generally allowed in the visitor areas, but visitors should follow the museum’s current rules and avoid using flash where it is prohibited. Follow the signs and staff instructions during the visit.
Is the Terracotta Warriors Museum accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
The museum provides free wheelchair rental at the Visitor Service Center inside the North Gate. Since the museum complex is large, visitors with mobility concerns should allow enough time to move between the different exhibition areas.
Do I need a guide for the Terracotta Warriors?
Whether you need a guide depends on how you prefer to travel. You can visit the Terracotta Warriors independently. A guide can be helpful if you want to learn more about the different pits, the organization of the Qin army, and how the site was discovered and excavated.