Terracotta Army Tours and Activities

Terracota Army featuring interior views and a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army showing a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army showing a statue or sculpture and interior views
Terracota Army featuring 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 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.

Tours & day trips

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Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour

Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $41 per adult
Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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Terra-Cotta Warriorrs & Horses One Day Tour

Terra-Cotta Warriorrs & Horses One Day Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $136 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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Terra-cotta Warriors Show Optional Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket

Terra-cotta Warriors Show Optional Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $37 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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2-Day Private Tour from Shanghai by Air: Highlights of Xi'an and Beijing

2-Day Private Tour from Shanghai by Air: Highlights of Xi'an and Beijing

Activity duration is 2 days
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $1,878 per adult*
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Popular places to visit

Wax Museum of Qin Dynasty

You can study the exhibits at Wax Museum of Qin Dynasty, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Qinyongguan. Take in the museums and hot springs in the area.

Wax Museum of Qin Dynasty

Bronze Chariot and Horse of Qinling

You can study the exhibits at Bronze Chariot and Horse of Qinling, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Xi'an. Discover the area's hot springs and spas.

Bronze Chariot and Horse of Qinling

Tomb of Qin Shi Huang

Learn about the local history of Xi'an when you take a trip to Tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Discover the area's hot springs and spas.

Tomb of Qin Shi Huang

Qin Jin Tang Skil Research Center

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Qin Jin Tang Skil Research Center, during your travels in Xi'an. Take in the museums and hot springs in the area.

Qin Jin Tang Skil Research Center

Xi'an Eight Wonders Museum

You can study the exhibits at Xi'an Eight Wonders Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Xi'an. Take in the museums and hot springs in the area.

Xi'an Eight Wonders Museum

Jiangzhai Site

You can learn about the history of Xi'an with a stop at Jiangzhai Site. Discover the area's hot springs and spas.

Jiangzhai Site

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
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
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
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
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
Hilton Xian

Hilton Xian

5 out of 5
199 Dongxin Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Hilton Xian
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
See all 504 properties in Terracotta Army
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

While visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, be sure to explore the fascinating terracotta warriors tour and engage in historical tours to deepen your understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also check out reviews for nearby tours, take a leisurely walk around the area, and enjoy some local shopping. For convenience, consider using the tourist bus service to navigate easily between attractions.

Shopping

While visiting the Terracotta Army, don't miss the chance to shop at the local markets for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Golden Eagle, located 38.6km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family-friendly entertainment and a variety of shops.

Recreation

At Weinan Stadium, immerse yourself in an energetic atmosphere with various sports activities to boost your wellness. Meanwhile, Jiaodaruisun Stadium offers a vibrant setting for recreational sports, promoting both physical fitness and camaraderie among visitors, just a short journey from the iconic Terracotta Army.

Adventure

Bailuyuan Ski Area is a thrilling ski field located 24.1km from the Terracotta Army. Experience the exhilaration of skiing and snowboarding in a stunning landscape, complete with a vibrant sports atmosphere that promises an unforgettable adventure for winter sports enthusiasts.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Terracotta Army is vibrant and cultural. Enjoy a captivating performance at Princess Wencheng Live Theater, located 30.6km away, or immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance at Yisu Grand Theater and Yisu Community Theater, both 32.2km away. Each venue offers a delightful blend of entertainment and romance.

Find the best attractions near Terracotta Army

Visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, Shaanxi, offers a rich blend of history and culture. Explore significant attractions like the mausoleum and historic palace, perfect for those seeking a deep cultural experience. Don't miss the iconic Terracotta Warriors, a must-see near the Terracotta Army, showcasing the artistry and historical significance of this remarkable site. Whether you're interested in local culture or the bustling city atmosphere, there's plenty to explore in and around this fascinating area.

  • Tomb of Qin Shi Huang: This impressive mausoleum, located 1.6km from the Terracotta Army, is the final resting place of China's first emperor. Visitors can explore the vast burial site, which reflects the grandeur and cultural significance of ancient Chinese history.
  • Huaqing Hot Springs: Situated 6.4km away, this historic palace is renowned for its natural hot springs and beautiful gardens. It offers a serene escape where you can soak in the warm waters while enjoying the rich cultural heritage of the area.
  • Huaqing Palace Ruins: Also 6.4km from the Terracotta Army, these ruins are a glimpse into the luxurious life of past emperors. The site is steeped in history and showcases stunning architecture amidst picturesque landscapes.

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

For a budget-friendly visit to the Terracotta Army, consider travelling in March or between December and January when hotel prices drop. Booking a month in advance or looking for last-minute deals on Expedia can lead to significant savings, especially on Sundays, the cheapest day to stay. Utilize Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals that combine flights and activities for further discounts. Additionally, using public transport can help you save on travel costs while exploring the area.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Terracotta Army about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply adjust the price filter to sort from lowest to highest.
  • 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.