Terracotta Army Tours

Terracota Army which includes a statue or sculpture and interior views
Terracota Army which includes a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army featuring interior views and a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army which includes a statue or sculpture and interior views
Terracota Army which includes 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 Armory. 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 kilometers) 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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Best Lodging Options Near Terracotta Army

MeihaoHotel TerraCottaWarriorsHuaqing

MeihaoHotel TerraCottaWarriorsHuaqing

3 out of 5
Shuyuan East Road, Numero 8, Xi'an, 3149
MeihaoHotel TerraCottaWarriorsHuaqing
Holiday Inn Express Xi'An Intl Trade & Logistic Park by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Xi'An Intl Trade & Logistic Park by IHG

2.5 out of 5
No. 1 Bldg., Gangwu Avenue, Baqiao Dist., Xian Port Intel Procurement Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Holiday Inn Express Xi'An Intl Trade & Logistic Park by IHG
Sheraton Xi'An Chanba

Sheraton Xi'An Chanba

4.5 out of 5
No. 777 Euro-Asia Avenue, Chanba Ecological, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Sheraton Xi'An Chanba
Novotel Xi'An Aden

Novotel Xi'An Aden

4 out of 5
No. 5588 Ouya Dadao, Intl. Trade and Logistics Park, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Novotel Xi'An Aden
Le Meridien Xi'an Chanba

Le Meridien Xi'an Chanba

4.5 out of 5
6 West Section, Euro-Asia Avenue, Chanba Ecological District, Xi'an
Le Meridien Xi'an Chanba
Dhawa Xi'an Chanba

Dhawa Xi'an Chanba

4 out of 5
NO 269 HUAWEN ROAD, CHANBA ECOLOGICAL AREA, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Dhawa Xi'an Chanba
Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower

Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower

4 out of 5
NO 16 ANBAN STREET, XIAN, Xi'an
Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower
InterContinental Xi'an North by IHG

InterContinental Xi'an North by IHG

5 out of 5
No. 120 Fengcheng 8th Road, Jingkai District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
InterContinental Xi'an North by IHG
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel

Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel

4.5 out of 5
No. 32 Wei Yang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Terracotta Army

When visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as spa treatments and shopping. Key experiences include guided tours of the terracotta warriors, comprehensive Xi'an tours that feature the warriors, and nearby tour options. For budget travelers, consider looking for free tour opportunities to explore this fascinating historical site and its surroundings.

Shopping

Visit the Golden Eagle Shopping Mall Center, located 24 miles away from the Terracotta Army, offering a vibrant atmosphere with family entertainment and a mix of city and business vibes. If you're up for a drive, this is a great spot for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Head to Weinan Stadium, 13 miles from the Terracotta Army, for an energetic atmosphere and various sports activities. Alternatively, visit Jiaodaruisun Stadium, 22 miles away, where you can enjoy lively sports vibes and engage in recreational activities to rejuvenate your spirit.

Adventure

The Bailuyuan Ski Area, located 15 miles from the Terracotta Army, offers thrilling skiing experiences amidst breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the exhilarating slopes and embrace the sports vibe while soaking in the beautiful mountainous landscape, making it a perfect adventure for ski enthusiasts visiting Xi'an.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Terracotta Army is vibrant, featuring cultural performances at Yisu Grand Theater and Princess Wencheng Live Theater, both offering romantic and family-friendly vibes. For a more intimate experience, check out Yisu Community Theater, where entertainment meets local culture, just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near Terracotta Army

When visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, Shaanxi, immerse yourself in the rich history by exploring nearby historic sites, museums, and mausoleums. These attractions cater to those seeking cultural experiences and insights into the city’s heritage. Don’t miss the chance to discover the famed terracotta warriors and other Xi'an attractions that highlight the region's unique legacy.

  • Tomb of Qin Shi Huang: This impressive mausoleum, located just 1 mile from the Terracotta Army, is the final resting place of China’s first emperor. Visitors can explore its cultural significance and marvel at the grand burial site that reflects ancient Chinese civilization.
  • Huaqing Hot Springs: Situated 4 miles away, this historic palace offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. Known for its scenic hot springs, it has been a favorite retreat for emperors and is a perfect spot for relaxation and cultural immersion.
  • Huaqing Palace Ruins: Also 4 miles from the Terracotta Army, these ruins provide a glimpse into the opulent past of Chinese royalty. Visitors can wander through the remnants of this historic site, appreciating its architecture and the stories it holds.

Best time to go to Terracotta Army

Visitor numbers around Terracotta Army is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 HighSlightly Low
April61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageAverage
September70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
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, consider traveling during the cheaper months of March and December to January, avoiding peak times like April and July. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Sundays when rates are lower. You can save further by bundling your hotel with flights and activities through Expedia's package deals. Don't forget to join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and potential cash back on future bookings. Keep an eye on entrance fees and explore free nearby sites to maximize your budget.

  • 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 April, July and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Terracotta Army is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of hotel. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Terracotta Army with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.