Terracotta Army

Terracota Army which includes interior views and a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army which includes a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army showing a statue or sculpture and interior views
Terracota Army showing interior views and a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army featuring a statue or sculpture


Marvel at the thousands of sculpted soldiers, horses and chariots keeping the first Emperor of China company in the afterlife.

The rows of thousands of figures that make up the Terracotta Army is among the most astonishing sites in the country. These sculpted soldiers, horses and chariots depict the armies of first Emperor of China Qin Shi Huang, serving to protect him in the afterlife. Get face to face with these fascinating relics for a sense of their large size.

Take a guided tour in English of this fascinating mausoleum. Learn about the funerary art and its meaning. Plaques also offer background information about the pits of statues. Alongside the military figures are other characters, such as acrobats and musicians.

The museum is split into three large pits that take up an area of 4 acres (1.6 hectares). Spend a few hours inspecting the intricacies of each statue. Note the battle formations and strategic positioning of some of the warriors and horses.

Find out about the history behind the mausoleum. Emperor Qin Shi Huang started work on the project after ascending the throne in 246 B.C. Local farmers uncovered the site while digging a well in 1974. Estimates suggest that the three main pits contain sculptures of around 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with multiple horses and 150 cavalry horses.

The Terracotta Army is part of the larger Lishan Garden, which contains the Museum of Terracotta Acrobats, the Museum of Terracotta Civil Officials and the Museum of Stone Armoury. Ride the shuttle buses between the museums.

Reach the site of the emperor’s tomb, which is marked by plants outside. An underground palace is not open to the public.

There is an admission fee to enter the complex, which opens daily from morning until early evening. The ticket includes the entire complex of Lishan Garden and the shuttle buses around the site.

The Terracotta Army is 25 miles (40 kilometres) east of Xi’an. Take a shuttle bus or taxi from the Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. Regular buses also depart from the Xi’an Railway Station, taking around 1 hour to reach the site.

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Things to do near Terracotta Army

While visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, immerse yourself in historical tours to discover the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, enjoy inspection tours for a closer look at the incredible archaeological finds. For a bit of relaxation, indulge in nearby spa services or explore the local shopping scene, offering a variety of unique souvenirs and traditional crafts to enhance your experience.

Shopping

While visiting the Terracotta Army, you can shop at local markets for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Golden Eagle, located 14.9km away, offers a vibrant mix of shopping, entertainment, and dining, perfect for a family outing.

Recreation

At Weinan Stadium, 8.1km from the Terracotta Army, immerse yourself in an energetic atmosphere perfect for fitness enthusiasts. Alternatively, visit Jiaodaruisun Stadium, located 13.7km away, where you can enjoy lively sports activities and engage with local athletes in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Bailuyuan Ski Area is an exhilarating ski field located 9.3km from the Terracotta Army. Embrace the thrill of skiing amidst stunning mountain scenery, where you can enjoy winter sports and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect adventure for snow enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Terracotta Army with a visit to Yisu Grand Theater or Princess Wencheng Live Theater, both offering a rich blend of entertainment and culture. For a more intimate setting, Yisu Community Theater promises a delightful evening filled with family-friendly performances and romantic vibes.

Find the best attractions near Terracotta Army

During your visit to the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, immerse yourself in the rich history by exploring the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the impressive mausoleum. Discover the fascinating terracotta warriors and the broader Terracotta Army complex, which offers a blend of culture and heritage. These attractions are perfect for those seeking a cultural experience while enjoying the historic palace vibes surrounding this iconic site.

  • Tomb of Qin Shi Huang: Situated a mile from the Terracotta Army, this grand mausoleum is the final resting place of China's first emperor. Its vast complex showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Qin Dynasty, with impressive archaeological finds and profound historical significance.
  • Huaqing Hot Spring: Located four miles away, this historic palace features beautiful gardens and ancient bathing pools once favoured by emperors. Enjoy the serene atmosphere while learning about its long history and connection to royal romance.
  • Wax Museum of Qin Dynasty: Just 435m from the Terracotta Army, this intriguing museum presents lifelike wax figures that depict significant events and figures from the Qin Dynasty, offering visitors a unique glimpse into China's ancient past.

Best time to go to Terracotta Army

The best time to visit Terracotta Army can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Terracotta Army falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Terracotta Army falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
March52.5°F (11.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June78.6°F (25.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November48.7°F (9.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December37.2°F (2.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Terracotta Army

To save on your visit to the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, consider travelling during the cheaper months of March or December to January, avoiding peak times like June and October. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, particularly on Sundays, which are cheaper than Thursdays. Use Expedia to filter options by budget and eco-friendly criteria, and look for last-minute deals. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through a package deal can also lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Terracotta Army are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Terracotta Army about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Terracotta Army is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Terracotta Army is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the Terracotta Army with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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