Visiting the Terracotta Warriors: What To Expect On Your Trip to Xi’an

Plan Your Trip For Visiting The Terracotta Army

Visiting the Terracotta Warriors is one of those rare travel moments that feels unreal. If you’re planning a trip to Xi’an or exploring China’s ancient history, visiting the Terracotta Warriors should absolutely be on your itinerary.

The history, incredible craftsmanship, and massive scale of the soldiers leave you almost speechless. Standing in front of thousands of life-sized warriors, carved more than 2,200 years ago, you realize why this is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. For many travellers to China, a visit to the Terracotta Army Museum is a bucket list experience, and for us, it was a highlight of our entire trip.

We visited the site on a very tight schedule, taking a day tour from Beijing and travelling back and forth by bullet train. It worked for our purposes, but it made for a very long day – something that may not work for all people.

Instead, you may want to think about staying overnight in Xi’an and visiting the museum when it opens in the morning to experience the site before the biggest crowds arrive. Whether you plan a quick trip or a longer stay, below is what you can expect on your visit to the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Museum, where you will find the world famous Terracotta Army.

Highlights Of The Terracotta Army

History of The Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors were created as part of the underground mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty and the ruler credited with unifying China in 221 BCE. One of his most lasting legacies was the creation of a standardized written language, an incredible achievement still used across China today.

Who Built The Terracotta Army And Why?

Emperor Qin Shi Huang died at the age of 50, but preparations for his burial site began long before that. His mausoleum complex took 38 years to complete and involved approximately 720,000 workers. His actual tomb, located 1.5 kilometres from the Terracotta Army, has never been excavated. It has remained sealed for all this time to preserve what is thought to be important contents.

The warriors themselves were intended to be the emperor’s army in the afterlife, ensuring his protection and showing his great power even in death. In 1974, when a local farmer was digging a well, he uncovered pottery pieces three metres down. That accidental discovery led to archaeologists finding the buried army, which is estimated to contain more than 8,000 soldiers, chariots, horses, and weapons, each created with incredible detail and individuality.

Due to the extraordinary cultural value, the mausoleum and Terracotta Army were recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Today, it remains one of China’s most important archaeological sites.

How To Visit The Terracotta Warriors From Beijing 

While the Terracotta Warriors are located near Xi’an, many people begin their journey from Beijing. If you are short on time, the high speed rail makes the trip doable as a day excursion, but be prepared for a long day. We took a guided day trip from Beijing, catching an early morning bullet train to Xi’an and returning the same evening. Although efficient, it resulted in an extremely long day, but due to our timing, it worked well, and we are so glad we did it.

Staying Overnight in Xi’an Vs A Day Trip

If you have the option, stay in Xi’an the night before your visit. The site opens early, and being one of the first to enter would make a big difference. The crowds increase quickly, and experiencing the warriors in the quiet morning hours would be far more enjoyable.

Tips For Planning From Beijing

• High-speed trains run frequently between Beijing and Xi’an, typically taking 4-5 hours each way.
• Book train tickets in advance, especially during holidays.
• Once in Xi’an, the museum is approximately a 1-hour drive from the city centre.
• Tours are highly recommended. Navigating the museum and understanding the historical information is much easier with a knowledgeable guide.
• While a day trip is definitely possible, staying overnight allows you to explore Xi’an’s city centre, walk along the ancient city walls, and sample the city’s delicious local cuisine. This would provide a little more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

No matter which way you decide to visit, you will find an absolutely amazing exhibition when you go. The museum is broken up into three major sections:

✅ If you would like to visit from Beijing in one day, we would highly recommend this tour. Everything was taken care of for us. From transfers to the train station, the bullet train tickets, to the private guide and entrance tickets. The day was perfectly arranged and allowed us to relax and enjoy the day without any stress of logistics. The tour operator communication both while planning and on the day was amazing!

Pit 1 Terracotta Warriors: The Grand Army

Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive of the three excavation halls. It is here that you will be most amazed while visiting The Terracotta Warriors. The sheer size of this pit is astounding: 30 metres deep, 62 metres wide, and 230 metres long, approximately the area of two football fields. Archaeologists estimate that more than 6,000 warriors and horses once stood here in full formation. Today, about 2,000 are visible, with excavations still taking place.

Walking around Pit 1 on the raised pathways gives you an incredible bird’s-eye view of the army formation.

Toward the back of the hall, you’ll find areas where archaeologists continue to excavate and restore broken pieces. It is a fascinating behind the scenes glimpse into the painstaking work required to reconstruct each figure.

The details are mesmerizing. No two warriors are alike. Each face appears to be different, with unique expressions, hairstyles, body types, and armour designs. Our private guide explained that it is believed the artisans modelled many of the figures after real people from the surrounding regions. Even today, locals often suggest the warriors resemble their ancestors.

You can identify the soldiers’ ranks by their headgear and uniforms. Generals wear elaborate headpieces while lower-ranking soldiers have simpler styles.

Originally, the warriors stood beneath a wooden roof covered in earth. A fire destroyed the roof, causing it to collapse and crush many of the statues. This is one of the reasons the restoration process is so difficult, since they have to find every piece from each statue and put them back together like a puzzle.

The warriors hollow torsos and heads are supported by solid clay legs designed to bear their weight. Each statue stands at an average height of 1.78 metres and weighs between 110–130 kilograms.

It is estimated that creating this vast army took around 10 years, an astonishing accomplishment considering when this work was completed.

✅ If you have made your own way to Xi’an, then we suggest this 5-star tour for your exploration of the Terracotta Warriors. Having a knowledgeable private guide who can navigate you through the crowds and give detailed information is priceless. It also includes pick up from your hotel, airport or the train station.

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Pit 2 Terracotta Warriors: The Chariots and Calvary

Pit 2 is smaller than Pit 1 in scale, but it is still important from an archeological perspective.  It is 6,000 square metres and L-shaped. Pit 2 is approximately five metres deep and is believed to contain around 2,000 additional warriors, though only a small amount has been excavated.

This pit is important for its chariots, cavalry units, and archers. Because much of Pit 2 remains unexcavated, you’ll see many display cases showcasing individual warriors, horses, and pieces of armour up close. These exhibits provide a great opportunity to appreciate the fine details of the statues since you can see the intricately carved faces, hairstyles, hats and uniforms.

The exhibits in Pit 2 are well laid out, explaining the techniques used to build, fire, paint, and assemble the terracotta figures. Learning how the artisans shaped the hollow torsos, added unique facial features, and affixed armour plates by hand adds even more appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the army.

One major challenge for archaeologists is maintaining the warriors’ original decorative paint. When first uncovered, the statues were brightly coloured, but exposure to air causes the pigments to oxidize and fade to the muted brown we see today.

Because of this, further excavation in Pit 2 has been paused until better preservation technology is developed. Researchers hope that one day they can uncover the remaining figures while maintaining their original vibrant colours.

Pit 3 Terracotta Warriors: The Command Centre

Pit 3 is the smallest of the three excavated sections, but still very interesting. It is believed to represent the headquarters of the army, containing high ranking officers, archers and commanders.

Here you’ll find 68 soldiers, 4 horses, and numerous weapons, many of which are displayed in exhibits around the hall. Although the roof of Pit 3 also collapsed over time, resulting in significant damage, the preserved pieces offer a look into the military structure of the Qin Dynasty. All of the restored statues have been returned to their original positions.

Terracotta Warriors Tips For Visiting

Keep these travel tips in mind when planning your visit:

1. Arrive Early

The museum sells up to 65,000 tickets per day, so it gets extremely busy. Arriving at the opening is the best time to visit and is also the way to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

2. Book Tickets in Advance

Get tickets ahead of time, especially during national holidays or peak travel periods. You’ll need to book using your passport.

3. Hire a Guide

A professional tour guide will add significantly to your experience. They can navigate you through the crowds, explain the meaning of each pit, and ensure you don’t miss the most important viewpoints. They will also take care of the ticket purchase so you don’t have to navigate the official website.

4. Prepare for a Lot of Walking

The museum grounds are laid out like a large park, and it’s a considerable walk from the entrance to the pits, so we suggest wearing comfortable shoes.

5. Explore the Exit Area

When leaving the museum, you must pass through a long section filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. While kind of touristy, it offers good opportunities for shopping or enjoying local snacks.

6. Try Xi’an’s Famous Biang Biang Noodles

Before or after your visit, treat yourself to a local specialty. We enjoyed Biang Biang noodles, which are wide, handmade noodles served with vegetables and flavourful broth including garlic, soy sauce and oil.

While the traditional version is quite spicy, you can ask for a dish without the chilli pepper added. You can find many restaurants with large bowls out front showcasing this resident dish.

FAQ: Visiting the Terracotta Warriors

Where Are The Terracotta Warriors Located?

The Terracotta Warriors are located just outside the city of Xi’an in China’s Shaanxi Province. The archaeological site is officially known as the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Museum and is located approximately 40 minutes east of Xi’an by car.

How Long Does It Take To Visit The Terracotta Warriors?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the three main pits, museum exhibits, and viewing areas. We spent approximately 3 hours in total for our visit.

Is It Worth Staying Overnight In Xi’an To See The Terracotta Warriors?

Yes. While you can visit as a day trip from Beijing using the high-speed train, staying at least one night in Xi’an gives you time to explore the Terracotta Warriors without rushing and to enjoy Xi’an’s highlights.

Plan to stay in the central area of Xi’an to have easy access to the sights. A good suggestion is the Novotel Xian The Bell Tower. This property offers spacious, clean rooms, as well as breakfast and laundry facilities. Another good option is the Jinmao Hotel Xi’an Downtown, which is also in a central location within walking distance to the major sights.

Can You Visit The Xi’an Terracotta Warriors From Beijing?

Absolutely. High-speed trains run from Beijing to Xi’an several times a day and take about 4–5 hours. Many travellers take the morning train to Xi’an and return the next day after visiting the warriors. Flights are also available but often require more overall time.

Do You Need A Guide To Visit The Terracotta Warriors?

A guide isn’t required, but it can greatly enhance your experience. There is limited signage in English, and a guide helps you understand the history of the Emperor, the construction of the warriors, and the significance of each pit.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Terracotta Warriors?

The best times to visit are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) when temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are more manageable – just make sure to avoid the weekend of the Autumn festival. If visiting during peak season or national holidays, plan to arrive right when the museum opens to avoid the heaviest crowds.

Can You Take Photos Of The Terracotta Warriors?

Yes, photography is allowed in all three pits; however, flash photography is not permitted. If you want to see the details on each statue, make sure to have some kind of zoom capability.

How Many Terracotta Warriors Are There?

Archaeologists estimate there are about 8,000 warriors, along with horses, chariots, weapons, and other figures. Not all have been excavated—many remain buried to protect their original paint from fading.

Are The Terracotta Warriors All Identical?

No. Each warrior has unique facial features and expressions, hairstyles, and clothing details. They were crafted individually, and no two are exactly alike.

The Final Word…Visiting The Terracotta Warriors

Visiting the Terracotta Warriors was an unforgettable experience that is unlike any place we have ever visited before. Standing before this army is truly awe-inspiring. Whether you visit from Beijing on a whirlwind day trip or spend several days exploring Xi’an, the Terracotta Warriors deserve a place on your China itinerary. 

The craftsmanship, history, and scale of the site make it one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures and a once-in-a-lifetime place to visit. 

Be sure to also check out our other travel guides that detail visiting the Great Wall of China and the key sights of Beijing.