Terracotta Warriors – A Highlight of Xian Travel
By Leo
When people ask me which site in China left me completely speechless, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian always top my list. I have visited countless historical landmarks across China, I can say with confidence that this is not just a museum visit – it’s like stepping back 2,000 years into China’s ancient past. If you’re planning a China tour, especially your first Xian travel experience, you simply cannot miss it.
Why the Terracotta Warriors Are So Special?
The Terracotta Warriors were discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well. What they unearthed turned out to be one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century: thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots built to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
What makes this site extraordinary isn’t just the quantity – over 8,000 soldiers have been found so far – but the individuality. Every soldier has a unique face, expression, hairstyle, and armor design. You can almost imagine them breathing, waiting for the emperor’s command.
Personally, the moment I walked into Pit 1, the largest excavation hall, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe. Seeing row after row of perfectly lined warriors was like stepping straight into ancient China.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Terracotta Warriors?
From my experience, mornings are the best. Try to arrive at opening time to avoid the largest crowds, especially in Pit 1. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Xian has four distinct seasons. Summer can be very hot, and winter is often cold and dry. So I recommend these two seasons for the most pleasant visit.
- Spring (March–May) – Mild weather and blooming flowers.
- Autumn (September–November) – Clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Best Route to Visit the Terracotta Army
The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses is vast, and a strategic approach will enhance your visit. I highly recommend allocating at least 2-4 hours, with 5 hours being ideal if you want to explore thoroughly. The museum is generally open from 8:30 am, with the last entry at 5:00 pm.
My advice is to visit them in numerical order: Pit 1 → Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Exhibition Hall.
- Pit 1: Start here! It’s the largest and most impressive pit, housing thousands of warriors arranged in battle formation. The sheer scale and organization are truly awe-inspiring. You’ll spend a significant amount of time here.
- Pit 3: Though smaller, Pit 3 is believed to be the army’s headquarters and offers a closer look at more finely crafted figures, including immaculately restored generals. This pit provides insight into the strategic leadership.
- Pit 2: This pit showcases a variety of terracotta warriors and horses, often with different formations and types of soldiers.
- Exhibition Hall of Archaeological Discoveries: Don’t miss this! It usually features artifacts and provides more context on the discovery and ongoing restoration efforts. You might even see some of the original vibrant colors that have since faded from the unearthed warriors due to oxidation.
How to Get to Terracotta Warriors?
From Xian, you have several reliable ways to reach the Terracotta Warriors:
- Public Bus: This is the most budget-friendly option. Take Tourism Bus 5 (306) from the East Square of Xian Railway Station. It’s a direct route, takes about an hour. A word of caution from my own experience: be wary of unofficial buses that might try to lead you to unnecessary sites along the way. Stick to the official ones!
- Taxi/Ride-Sharing: For convenience, especially if you’re traveling with a small group (3-4 people), a taxi or Didi is a great choice. The ride takes about an hour, depending on traffic and time of day. However, please be careful to avoid taking taxis that charge unreasonable fares.
- Guided Tours: Many travelers find guided tours incredibly beneficial. They often include transportation directly from your hotel, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide who can provide invaluable historical context and insights. This takes the stress out of logistics and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Practical Tips for Your Terracotta Warriors Visit
Based on my numerous trips, here are a few additional tips to make your visit more enjoyable and efficient:
- Best Time to Go – Arrive early in the morning right when the museum opens. This way, you avoid the largest tour groups and can take clearer photos.
- Getting There – The site is about 40 km from downtown Xian. You can take a taxi, join a guided tour, or use the direct tourist bus from Xian Railway Station.
- Duration – Plan at least 3–4 hours to explore fully. Rushing through will not do justice to the site.
- Guides and Audio Tours – Having a guide makes a huge difference. The historical context they provide brings the warriors to life in a way simple signs cannot.
- Photography – Flash is not allowed, and tripods are restricted, so prepare your camera settings before entering.
Other Attractions Near the Terracotta Warriors
Since the site is outside the Xian city, I often recommend combining it with nearby attractions:
- Huaqing Palace – Famous for its hot springs and Tang Dynasty love story between Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei.
- Lishan Mountain – Offers great hiking and views over the Wei River valley.
These make for a full day of sightseeing in the eastern part of Xian.