[Must-See! Complete Guide to Visiting the Terracotta Warriors] No mistakes for beginners, history buffs will be thrilled~
Coming to Xi’an without visiting the Terracotta Warriors is like not coming at all! But the site is large and has many rules, so a little carelessness can waste time and cause trouble. Here’s the most detailed list of tips online—save this and go straight in~
🎫 Ticket Booking | Secure in advance to avoid wasted trips
✅ Booking channels: Only official channels are valid! Search for the “Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Museum” official WeChat account, click “Ticket Booking,” and fill in your ID information with real names (one ID per person)
✅ Booking time: 3-7 days in advance! During peak season (March-November) and holidays (May Day, National Day, summer vacation), book at least 10 days ahead. Tickets are released in time slots daily and sold out when full
✅ Ticket prices: Peak season 120 RMB/person, off-season (December-February) 100 RMB/person. Combo tickets include Terracotta Warriors + Lishan Garden, no need to buy separately
✅ Discounts:
· Half price: Minors aged 6-18, full-time undergraduates and below (with ID + student card)
· Free: Children under 6 years old or under 1.4 meters, seniors over 65, disabled persons, active military personnel (with valid documents + advance booking)
❌ Avoid pitfalls: No on-site ticket windows! Last-minute visits are very likely to be denied entry. Cancel bookings at least 24 hours in advance if plans change, or it will affect future ticket purchases
🚗 Transportation Guide | Avoid unlicensed taxis and save time
✅ Public transport (recommended): Metro Line 9 → Huaqing Pool Station Exit C → transfer to Lintong Bus 613/602 → Terracotta Warriors Station. Takes about 1.5-2 hours, cost-effective and no traffic jams
✅ Self-driving: Navigate to “Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Museum.” Parking lot 1 charges 20 RMB with no time limit; nearby lots charge 10 RMB; some hotels offer free parking
✅ Direct shuttle: There is a direct shuttle from Qin Feng Departure Station in the city center, going straight to the entrance—great for those who want convenience
❌ Avoid pitfalls: Don’t take roadside unlicensed taxis or three-wheeled motorcycles! They overcharge and may take you to unofficial spots. Refuse any solicited carpooling
⏰ Return times: Bus 602 runs until 8:00 PM, Metro Line 9 until 11:00 PM. For late shows, carpooling is possible (about 30-40 RMB per person)
📝 Touring Tips | See the core in 3 hours
✅ Best route (no detours):
Terracotta Warriors Museum → Pit 1 (see the impressive army formation) → Pit 3 (command center) → Pit 2 (finest warriors) → Artifact Exhibition Hall (bronze chariot and horses) → Lishan Garden (free shuttle bus back and forth)
✅ Must-see at Lishan Garden: Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum (treasure of the museum), Hundred Plays Warrior Pit, burial mounds. It’s recommended to buy the 15 RMB shuttle bus ticket (4 km in the park, walking is exhausting)
✅ Off-peak tips: Enter between 8:30-10:30 (good light, fewer people) or 2:30-4:30 PM (fewer tour groups), avoid the 11 AM-2 PM peak
✅ Duration: 3-4 hours; for a deep visit, half a day is recommended, with about 1.5 hours for each park area
📦 Luggage storage: Free storage is available on the east side of the ticket hall for large luggage; keep valuables with you
👂 Guide options | Don’t just look, listen!
✅ Official guide: 90 RMB for groups under 10, no sales pitch, suitable for families or groups
✅ Audio guide device: 30 RMB each, with location-based automatic narration, flexible and free, good for solo travelers
✅ Private guide: 258 RMB per group of 1-3 people, interactive Q&A, customizable content, usually includes earphone fee (about 20 RMB/person)
❌ Avoid pitfalls: Don’t hire unofficial guides! Their info may be fake and they might take you to shopping stores. Always check the guide’s license
💡 Highlights: General warrior in Pit 1 (detailed armor), kneeling archer (best preserved), bronze chariot and horses in the exhibition hall (peak Qin craftsmanship)
⚠️ Important notes | Visit respectfully and avoid trouble
✅ Must bring: ID card, student card (student tickets are checked), comfortable walking shoes, water bottle (drinking points available), sun protection/rain gear (many outdoor areas)
❌ Prohibited items: Drones, lighters, selfie sticks (banned in some exhibition halls), no touching the warriors, no flash photography (damages artifacts)
✅ Special groups: Barrier-free access and wheelchair rental available (ID deposit required). Seniors over 65 and families with kids are advised to visit off-peak and take it slow
🍜 Food tips: Food inside the site is expensive; bring snacks and water. After visiting, go to Lintong city for authentic Shaanxi cuisine at better prices
🎁 Shopping tips: At the entrance, choose small souvenirs like keychains or fridge magnets; avoid buying expensive jewelry (mostly replicas)
📌 Key reminders
⏰ Ticket check stops: 5:00 PM in peak season, 4:30 PM in off-season. Plan your visit to avoid missing entry time
🌟 Combine your trip: Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Palace can be done in one day—morning at the warriors (fewer crowds), afternoon at Huaqing Palace, evening watch the “Song of Everlasting Regret” show
💡 Pro tip: Take photos from the sides or back of the viewing platform to avoid front-row crowds; side lighting makes the warriors look more three-dimensional
Visiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an is a chance to converse with millennia of history~ Prepare well to fully immerse yourself in the awe of the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Wishing everyone a great trip and amazing photos! 📸
Other visitors' reviews of Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Show More ReviewsMy wishlist came true! Finally we got here 😍 I’m came here by metro then take bus. The driver will drop you really further. Need to walk a long distance just to arrive the main entrance. Then from main entrance, need to further walk again. The ticket price is reasonable and worth the experience. But you can buy electric car ticket (not included). Overall, It offers good value for money considering the quality and overall enjoyment. We taking our time slowly here. Got merchandise shop inside. On the way back, lots of restaurants and afew halal restaurants also. Lots of bus (more cheap) waiting outside to get back to Xian City. I’m satisfied with what I received and would happily pay for it again😍