Terracotta Warriors

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Photo of Terracotta Warriors: Terracotta Warriors tickets
Photo of Terracotta Warriors: Terracotta Warriors tour
Photo of Terracotta Warriors: Terracotta Warriors tour
Photo of Terracotta Warriors: Terracotta Army
Photo of Terracotta Warriors: Terracotta Army
Photo of Terracotta Warriors: Terracotta Warriors tickets
Photo of Terracotta Warriors
Photo of Terracotta Warriors
Address Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Hours 08:30–17:00 (winter) / 08:30–18:00 (summer)
Phone +86 29 81399001
Announcement: World Heritage Site
Entrance ¥120
Hours 08:30–17:00 (winte...
Best Season Weekdays, early morning. Avoid October 1–7 and Chinese New Year.
Time needed 3–4 h
Last visit: May 22, 2026
Author: Jian Zhao
Reviewer: Zhenyu Shi

Terracotta Warriors Travel Guide

Terracotta Warriors Overview

Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses recreate the power and glory of the Qin Dynasty.

Terracotta Warriors Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:30–17:00 (winter) / 08:30–18:00 (summer)
  • Best season: Weekdays, early morning. Avoid October 1–7 and Chinese New Year.
  • Ticket note: Advance reservation required (name & passport). CNY 120. Discounts for students.

Essential Terracotta Warriors Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 29 81399001
  • Vast parking lot
  • Restrooms (multi-building)
  • Visitor center with luggage storage
  • Electric shuttle to pits
  • Food court & Starbucks
  • Barrier-free access & wheelchairs available

How to Get to Terracotta Warriors

Take Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi, then public bus 602 or taxi. From Terracotta Warriors to Xi'an self-drive ~1 h.

Terracotta Warriors Travel Safety & Advice

On-site medical clinic. Public security post.

Practical Info

  • Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
  • 08:30–17:00 (winter) / 08:30–18:00 (summer)
  • +86 29 81399001
Jian Zhao
Jian Zhao
Certified Master Tour Guide
Jian Zhao, a Xi’an-based Certified Master Tour Guide, specializes in Northwest China itineraries covering the Terracotta Warriors, Hexi Corridor, and Mogao Caves.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

☆☆☆☆☆ — (0 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Advance reservation required (name & passport). CNY 120. Discounts for students.

Online booking may be required

Tips

Beware of fake "Terracotta Warriors factories" touted by taxi drivers. No flash on the warriors.

Reality Check

  • Pit 1 is constantly packed; best view at opening time. On holidays, it’s shoulder-to-shoulder. Photography-friendly but tripods may be restricted inside. Allow buffer for X-ray security.

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Terracotta Warriors Hotels: Where to Stay for Quiet Sleep & Easy Access

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Terracotta Warriors Travel FAQ

Is bargaining expected, or will I offend someone?
Bargaining is absolutely expected and part of the commercial culture in the outdoor markets. Vendors would be more surprised if you paid the first price. It's conducted with smiles and a sense of play. The only place you don't bargain is inside the official museum shops, where prices are fixed.
What's the best way to pay? Do they take credit cards?
Cash (Chinese Yuan Renminbi) is king in the outdoor stalls. While you'll see QR codes for Alipay/WeChat Pay, setting these up as a foreign tourist is not always straightforward. Very few small vendors accept international credit cards. The official museum shops are the reliable exception for card payments. Withdraw cash in Xi'an before your trip to the museum.
How do I know if a terracotta replica is good quality?
Pick it up. A good replica has a satisfying weight—it should feel dense, not hollow and light. Run your fingers over it; it should have a slightly rough, sandy texture, not be perfectly smooth. Look at the paint; hand-applied paint will have tiny variations and brush marks, while cheap ones look airbrushed and uniform. Finally, compare faces on several figurines; mass-produced fakes will have identical, blurry features.
Are the "antique" coins and artifacts real?
No. Any artifact genuinely excavated from a protected site like the mausoleum would be a national treasure and illegal to sell. These are modern reproductions, often artificially aged. Buy them as inexpensive curios if you like the look, but understand their true nature.
I'm worried about packing fragile items. Will vendors help?
Yes, absolutely. This is a common request. They are experts at wrapping ceramic and clay figures in layers of bubble wrap, newspaper, and cardboard. They will secure it thoroughly, often using an entire roll of tape. It might look comical, but it works. I've carried a 10-inch warrior wrapped this way in my checked luggage across multiple flights without a scratch. Just ask, "Can you wrap it for travel?" ("Neng bao zhuang ma?").
What's the best footwear for visiting the Terracotta Warriors?
Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. You will be on your feet for hours, walking on hard concrete floors. The site is vast. I made the mistake of wearing new sneakers once and had blisters by Pit 2. Opt for well-cushioned, broken-in shoes. The paths are paved and flat, so hiking boots aren't necessary, but support is key.
Is it worth visiting the Terracotta Warriors with young children?
It depends on your child's temperament. The site involves a lot of walking, waiting, and looking at similar-looking statues from behind barriers. Young kids may find it boring and the crowds overwhelming. If you do go, manage expectations. Frame it as a "clay soldier treasure hunt," focus on the cool chariots in the museum, and keep the visit short (2-3 hours max). The long commute from Xi'an adds to the challenge. For families with under-10s, a shorter visit to the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi'an (which has some warriors on display) might be a more successful alternative.
How much time do I realistically need at the Terracotta Warriors site?
A rushed, checklist visit takes about 2.5 hours. A thorough, comfortable visit where you read plaques, listen to an audio guide, and see the tomb mound requires a minimum of 4 hours. This doesn't include round-trip transportation from Xi'an, which adds another 2-3 hours to your day. Block out a full half-day, if not more. Trying to combine it with other major attractions in one day is a recipe for exhaustion.
Can I take photos with the Terracotta Warriors?
You can and should take photos of them. Photography (without flash) is permitted throughout the pits and museums. However, you cannot get close to the figures or touch them—the barriers are there for a reason. The idea of "taking a photo with a warrior" means having it in the background. There are no life-size replicas in the pits for tourist photos. Some vendors outside sell souvenir photos with replicas, but that's a separate commercial activity.
What's the deal with the souvenir shops and "farmers who discovered the site"?
The long walkway to the pits is lined with shops. The souvenirs range from cheap keychains to expensive replica statues. Quality varies wildly. Some shops claim to be owned by the families of the farmers who discovered the warriors in 1974. While some descendants may be involved in tourism, this is often a marketing tactic. If you want a souvenir, a small replica warrior or a picture book from the official museum store is a safer bet. Don't feel pressured to buy anything on the walk in or out.
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