UNESCO World Heritage · Cultural Site · Inscribed 1987
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Terracotta Army)
秦始皇陵 · Qínshǐhuáng Líng
8,000+ life-sized clay warriors buried 2,200 years ago, each with unique facial features. Discovered by farmers in 1974. 1.5 hours from Xi'an. Allow 3-4 hours on site.
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Quick Answer
8,000+ life-sized clay warriors buried 2,200 years ago, each with unique facial features. Discovered by farmers in 1974. 1.5 hours from Xi'an. Allow 3-4 hours on site.
Quick Facts
| Chinese Name | 秦始皇陵 (Qínshǐhuáng Líng) |
|---|---|
| Category | cultural |
| Year Inscribed | 1987 |
| Province | Shaanxi |
| Nearest City | Xi'an |
| Ticket | ¥120 year-round. Audio guide ¥30. Licensed guide ¥100–200. |
| Hours | 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00). |
| Best Time | Weekday mornings, arriving at 8:30 AM opening. Spring and autumn for weather. Avoid Chinese holidays. |
| Duration | 3–4 hours on site + 1–1.5 hours each way from Xi'an = full day. |
| Transport | Tour bus 306/914 from Xi'an Railway Station (¥7, 1 hour). DiDi/private car: 1 hour, ¥300–400. |
Why Visit Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Terracotta Army)?
It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The sheer scale — 8,000+ figures, each different — is disorienting in the best way. Pit 1 alone is 230m by 62m. I found Pit 2 more interesting up close because the kneeling archer (the most intact figure) is displayed at eye level with extraordinary detail visible: the braided hair, the sole of his shoe, the armor plates.
Overview
The Terracotta Army guards the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor who unified China in 221 BC. Three pits have been excavated, revealing infantry, cavalry, archers, and chariots — an entire military formation frozen in clay. The figures were originally painted in vivid colors, but exposure to air causes the pigment to oxidize within minutes, so excavation is slow (about 1 figure per week). The emperor's actual tomb, said to contain rivers of mercury and booby traps, has never been opened.
Practical Information
Tickets
¥120 year-round. Audio guide ¥30. Licensed guide ¥100–200.
Hours of Operation
8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00).
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings, arriving at 8:30 AM opening. Spring and autumn for weather. Avoid Chinese holidays.
How to Get There
Tour bus 306/914 from Xi'an Railway Station (¥7, 1 hour). DiDi/private car: 1 hour, ¥300–400.
How Long to Spend
3–4 hours on site + 1–1.5 hours each way from Xi'an = full day.
Highlights
- Pit 1 — the main battle formation, 6,000 figures in tight ranks
- Pit 2 — kneeling archer, cavalry, and the most variety of figure types
- Pit 3 — the command post, smallest pit, high-ranking officers
- Bronze Chariots exhibition hall — two half-scale bronze chariots discovered in 1980
Insider Tips
- Hire a guide or rent the audio guide — the site without context is just clay figures in pits
- Go early — by 10:00 AM the viewing platforms are shoulder-to-shoulder
- Combine with the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum grounds (1.5 km away, included in ticket)
- The museum gift shop sells replica warriors — bargain hard (¥20–30 for a small figure)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Xi'an to the Terracotta Army?
Bus 306 or 914 from Xi'an Railway Station east square (¥7, 1 hour). DiDi/private car: ¥300–400 round trip. Many hotels offer day tours with pickup for ¥400–600 including guide.
Why are the warriors in pieces?
The wooden roof beams collapsed when the Qin Dynasty fell, and a peasant revolt burned the underground chambers. Archaeologists reassemble each figure from hundreds of fragments — like a giant 3D puzzle. New figures show visible crack lines.
Can I see active excavation?
Yes — Pit 2 has an active dig zone where you can watch archaeologists at work. The pace is slow (~1 figure per week) to preserve the original paint, which oxidizes within minutes of air exposure.
Is the Terracotta Army a full-day trip from Xi'an?
Yes. 1–1.5 hours each way, 3–4 hours on site, plus travel logistics. Leave Xi'an by 7:30 AM, return by 3:00–4:00 PM. Xi'an itself needs 1–2 days for the walls, Muslim Quarter, and other sights.
Has Qin Shi Huang's actual tomb been opened?
No. Historical texts describe rivers of mercury and crossbow booby traps. Soil tests confirm elevated mercury levels, suggesting the accounts may be accurate. The Chinese government has decided not to excavate until preservation technology improves.
How were the warriors discovered?
In March 1974, farmers digging a well in Lintong County (35 km east of Xi'an) struck fragments of terracotta. Archaeologists arrived and within months had uncovered Pit 1. The lead farmer, Yang Zhifa, later became known as "the farmer who discovered the Terracotta Army" and sometimes appears at the museum gift shop to sign books.