The Terracotta Warriors Museum holds a prestigious international status, recognized globally for its unique and significant collection. It occupies a prominent position in the international arena. The world recognizes for its unique and significant collection of terracotta warriors and horses. Its status as a World Heritage Site, the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and a major tourist destination underscores its importance and appeal to visitors and scholars from around the globe.

It also known as the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, is a remarkable archaeological museum located at the foot of Mount Li in the eastern outskirts of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. It houses the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the mausoleum itself.

It is a treasure trove of Chinese history and culture, showcasing the military prowess and artistic achievement of the Qin Dynasty. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting China, offering a glimpse into the past and the incredible craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

 Travelers with Terracotta Warriors and Horses museum

History You Need to know about Terracotta Warriors

• The Terracotta Warriors and Horses were constructed during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who unified China in 221 BC and established the first centralized feudal empire in Chinese history.
• The construction of the mausoleum and its terracotta army began shortly after Qin Shi Huang's unification of China and continued for over 37 years, involving over 700,000 laborers.
• The Terracotta Warriors and Horses were discovered in March 1974 by local farmers while they were digging a well.

Why Terracotta Warriors and Horses museum Are Significant to See?

• The discovery is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century, showcasing the military prowess and artistic achievement of the Qin Dynasty.
• In 1987, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses were listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, earning the title of "The Eighth Wonder of the World".

What to See in the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum?

• The museum boasts three main pits of terracotta warriors and horses, as well as two bronze chariots.
  • Pit 1: The largest of the three, it measures over 14,000 square meters and contains over 6,000 terracotta figures, arranged in a battle formation. It features infantry, cavalry, and chariots, providing a glimpse of the Qin Dynasty's military organization.
  • Pit 2: This pit is shaped like a right angle and contains around 1,500 terracotta figures and over 80 wooden chariots. It showcases a mixed force of infantry, cavalry, and chariots.
  • Pit 3: The smallest of the three, it serves as the military command center for Pits 1 and 2, with only 68 terracotta figures.
  • Bronze chariots: The bronze chariots and horses are the earliest and most exquisitely crafted bronze valuables. They represent the highest class and have the most complete harnessing wares, making them the largest bronze artifacts discovered in the history of world archaeology. The excavation of these bronze chariots and horses provides invaluable material and data for the textual research of metallurgical techniques, chariot mechanisms, and technological modeling of the Qin Dynasty.

Bronze chariots and horses

• The terracotta figures are life-sized and highly detailed, varying in height, uniform, and hairstyle according to their ranks. Their vivid and lifelike images reflect the high level of craftsmanship during the Qin Dynasty.

How Terracotta Warriors and Horses Made?

• The terracotta figures were made using local materials by government laborers and local craftsmen in workshops.
• Heads, arms, legs, and torsos were created separately and then assembled by luting the pieces together. Faces were created using molds, with at least ten different face molds used.
• Some of the weapons, such as swords, were coated with a layer of chromium dioxide to prevent rusting, demonstrating advanced metallurgical technology of the Qin Dynasty.

Visiting Information about Terracotta Warriors and Horses museum

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.

It has been visited by over 200 foreign heads of state and government leaders, becoming a golden card for China's ancient civilization.

• Visitors can marvel at the scale and detail of the terracotta figures, as well as learn about the history and significance of the Qin Dynasty.
• Geographical Position
  The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors is located in Qinling Town, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province,China.
• Opening Hours
  March 16th to November 14th: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
  November 15th to March 15th: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Ticket Price
  120 RMB per person, half price discount for student ID card.
  Elderly people over 65 years old, disabled people, active duty Chinese soldiers (including armed police), military academy students, retired Red Army soldiers, revolutionary disabled soldiers, and minors under 16 years old brought by their parents are free of charge.
• Transport Line
  1. Departing from the airport
  Airport shuttle bus Lintong Line: Get off at Lintong Bus Station, ticket price is 30 yuan, four trips a day.
  2. Airport Bus Line 2: Go to Xi'an Railway Station, walk to the bus station, and take bus No. 5, 914, 915 to the museum
  3. Departure from high-speed railway station
  Take bus 266 from Xi'an North Station to Xi'an Railway Station, walk to the bus station, and take bus 5, 914, 915 to the museum
• Guided Hours: Our knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the Terracotta Army. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages.
• Time Needed: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the museum. This allows time to visit all three pits and the exhibition hall.
• Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts.
• Best Time to Visit:  To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The least crowded months are typically November to March, but be prepared for colder weather.

Map of Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

Service Facilities in Terracotta Warriors and Horses museum

• Parking lot: reference price is 20 RMB/time; Address: Near Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province
• Mobile phone charging: The tourist service center is equipped with a charging power socket
• Luggage storage: please consult on-site staffabout the price; Address: Ticket Center East Luggage Storage Area
• Scenic area explanation: The tourist centerprovides electronic guided tours and expert appointment explanation services(Chinese, English, and Japanese). Free broadcast search services and volunteers free consultations are provided.
• Baby carriage rental: free;Address: Tourist Service Center
• Wheelchair rental: free; Address: Tourist Service Center
• Washroom: several restroomscan be used according to the guide signs.
• Smoking area: multiple smoking areas within the scenic area
• ATM machine: Tourist Service Center on the right side of the main entrance of the scenic area
• Catering: chargeable, buffet available within the scenic area
• Vending Machine: Visitor Service Center
• Convenience stores:multiple convenience stores at the entrance and inside the scenic area

Overall image of Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

Nearby Attractions from Terracotta Warriors Museum

• Consider combining your visit with other nearby sites, such as the Huaqing Hot Springs or the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
• By planning ahead and keeping these points in mind, you'll be well-prepared for an unforgettable visit to one of China's most significant historical treasures. The Terracotta Army offers a unique glimpse into ancient Chinese history and continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Warriors Museum is renowned for its terracotta army, which is often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". This title underscores the impressive scale, craftsmanship, and historical importance of the collection. It plays a crucial role in promoting cultural understanding and education. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and students who are studying the Qin Dynasty, ancient Chinese military history, and the art of terracotta sculpture.