Terracotta Army

Terracota Army showing a statue or sculpture and interior views
Terracota Army featuring a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army showing interior views and a statue or sculpture
Terracota Army which includes a statue or sculpture and interior views
Terracota Army showing 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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Top Terracotta Army Hotel Deals

MeihaoHotel TerraCottaWarriorsHuaqing

MeihaoHotel TerraCottaWarriorsHuaqing

3 out of 5
Shuyuan East Road, Numero 8, Xi'an, 3149
MeihaoHotel TerraCottaWarriorsHuaqing
Angsana Xi'an Lintong

Angsana Xi'an Lintong

5 out of 5
No. 8 East Yuechun Road, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Angsana Xi'an Lintong
Holiday Inn Xi an Chanba by IHG

Holiday Inn Xi an Chanba by IHG

3 out of 5
No. 5189, Shibo Ave, Chanba Ecological Zone, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Holiday Inn Xi an Chanba by IHG
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
Jinmao Hotel Xi'an Downtown

Jinmao Hotel Xi'an Downtown

4 out of 5
No. 36, Zhuba City, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Jinmao Hotel Xi'an Downtown
Hilton Xian

Hilton Xian

5 out of 5
199 Dongxin Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi
Hilton Xian
W XIAN

W XIAN

5 out of 5
333 Qujiang Chi East Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
W XIAN
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
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
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, indulge in a variety of activities such as historical and guided tours to explore this remarkable UNESCO site. After your adventures, unwind at nearby hot springs or indulge in some retail therapy at an outlet mall. Additionally, consider pampering yourself with a spa treatment to complete your experience in this culturally rich destination.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at the Terracotta Army site, where you can find local souvenirs and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Golden Eagle, located 38.6km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment, shopping, and dining options for the whole family.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Weinan Stadium, just 20.9km from the Terracotta Army, where you can engage in various sports activities. Alternatively, head to Jiaodaruisun Stadium, located 35.4km away, to immerse yourself in an energetic environment and enjoy recreational sports events.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Bailuyuan Ski Area, located 24.1km from the Terracotta Army. Enjoy the exhilarating slopes and vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for both novice and seasoned skiers looking for adventure amidst stunning winter scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Terracotta Army offers enchanting experiences. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Princess Wencheng Live Theater, only 30.6km away, or immerse yourself in the vibrant shows at Yisu Grand Theater and Yisu Community Theater, both located 32.2km away, all filled with culture and family-friendly entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Terracotta Army

When visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, Shaanxi, immerse yourself in the rich history by exploring the iconic terracotta warriors and the nearby mausoleum. This destination offers a blend of cultural experiences and historical significance, making it ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of ancient China. Don't miss the chance to visit the Xi'an Linyi terracotta warriors and other historic palaces in the area for a comprehensive experience.

  • Bronze Chariot and Horse of Qinling: Located only 1.4km from the Terracotta Army, this museum showcases exquisite bronze artifacts, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty. Experience the cultural vibes as you admire the intricate details of the chariots and horses that once served the emperor.
  • Xi'an Incident Wax Museum: Situated 6.4km away, this museum brings history to life with lifelike wax figures depicting pivotal moments from the Xi'an Incident. Engage with the cultural narratives that shaped modern China, making it a thought-provoking visit.
  • Tomb of Qin Shi Huang: Just 1.6km from the Terracotta Army, this mausoleum is the final resting place of China’s first emperor. Explore the rich history and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in ancient traditions.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February41.2°F (5.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
March52.5°F (11.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June78.6°F (25.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December37.2°F (2.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Terracotta Army

To save money on your visit to the Terracotta Army, consider travelling from November to January when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, or check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and find eco-friendly options. Additionally, bundling your hotel stay with flights and activities can lead to significant savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to further stretch your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Terracotta Army are November 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Terracotta Army is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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, encompassing 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 that are currently available. To uncover the most competitive prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay for the Terracotta Army with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.