Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army)

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The Museum of Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is also known as the Terracotta Army or the Qin Terracotta Army. It is a burial pit of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum and, together with the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, forms the Museum of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. More than a thousand terracotta soldiers unearthed here have different images and vivid expressions. They are a bright pearl in the history of ancient Chinese sculpture art and are hailed as "one of the great archaeological discoveries of the 20th century." ### Historical Background Emperor Qin Shi Huang began to build his mausoleum as soon as he ascended the throne at the age of 13. Nearly 720,000 people were involved in the project, and the construction lasted for 38 years, making it a huge project. The mausoleum was not completed until Emperor Qin Shi Huang's death, and his second - son, Emperor Qin Er Shi Hu Hai, continued the construction for more than a year to finish it. It is rumored that Emperor Qin Shi Huang spent countless manpower, material resources and financial resources to build an underground palace for himself, and the Terracotta Army was the guards of the underground palace. The Qin Terracotta Army is a typical example of using figurines to replace human sacrifices. The reason why the Qin Terracotta Army reached such a high level in terms of scale and realism is not only due to the wisdom of the craftsmen but also inseparable from the will of this emperor. In March 1974, some peasants in Xiyang Village, Lintong District, Shaanxi Province accidentally discovered some fragments of terracotta figures while digging a well. After more than a year of exploration and trial excavation by archaeologists, it was confirmed to be a large - scale figurine pit, which is the world - famous No.1 Terracotta Army Pit. In April and May 1976, No.2 and No.3 Terracotta Army Pits were discovered on both sides of the No.1 Pit. Each pit differs in size, shape and unearthed artifacts. Some scholars believe that the No.3 Pit is the command post for the No.1 and No.2 Terracotta Army Pits, which was called "military tent" in ancient times. The Museum of Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, built on the site of the Qin Terracotta Army burial pits, officially opened in 1979. The main attractions include the No.1, No.2 and No.3 Terracotta Army Pits, the Bronze Chariot and Horse Exhibition Hall and related temporary exhibitions. ### Visiting Guide The museum ticket allows visitors to access three Terracotta Army Pits including the No.1 Pit, the unearthed cultural relics exhibition hall, the Bronze Chariot and Horse Exhibition Hall and the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The terracotta warriors unearthed here can be divided into general figurines, warrior figurines, charioteer figurines, etc., according to their costumes, expressions and hairstyles. Each terracotta figure has a different face, hairstyle, body and expression. The terracotta figures and horses were originally painted, but most of the paint has peeled off and changed color due to later fires and soaking. The No.1 Pit in the No.1 Pit Scenic Area was excavated earlier. The pit is about 230 meters long from east to west and about 62 meters wide from north to south. According to the arrangement density of the unearthed terracotta figures and horses in the trial excavation, there are about 6,000 terracotta figures and horses buried in the No.1 Terracotta Army Pit, along with a large number of bronze weapons. The No.1 Pit is also the most spectacular exhibition hall currently. You can see a huge army of terracotta soldiers standing in the pit, with various postures. It is said that there are more than 30 kinds of beard styles alone. Upon closer inspection, each soldier is lifelike, from the armor to the expression, from the weapon to the lines on the palm, all of which are amazing. ### The No.2 and No.3 Pits The No.2 and No.3 Pits are located on both sides of the No.1 Pit. Like the No.1 Pit, there are nearly 2,000 terracotta figures and horses, similar in size to real people and horses. There are different military branches such as chariot soldiers, cavalry and infantry, arranged neatly. Although it is not as shocking as the No.1 Pit, since each pit has different formations and functions, they are also worth visiting. The terracotta warriors were created based on real - life experiences, with delicate artistic techniques. The terracotta figures have different costumes and expressions, showing distinct personalities and strong characteristics of the era. The bronze weapons unearthed in the pits include swords, pi halberds, spears, ge halberds, ji halberds, shu staves, crossbow mechanisms and a large number of arrowheads. Most of the weapons are still sharp after more than two thousand years, indicating that there was already a high - level metallurgical technology at that time. ### Travel Tips The Museum of Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is always crowded with tourists. You can avoid the peak hours and start your visit from the No.3 Pit. After the visit, tourists can take the scenic area shuttle bus to the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

1. Why Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an?

In one sentence: The Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an unparalleled glimpse into China’s ancient military grandeur and Qin Dynasty craftsmanship.

Historical Background: Discovered in 1974 by farmers, this 2,200-year-old necropolis was built for Emperor Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, to protect him in the afterlife. It symbolizes his power and the unification of China.

Scale & Structure: The site spans 16,300 square meters, with three main pits containing over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, chariots, and horses arranged in battle formation. Pit 1, the largest, holds 6,000 figures.

Artistic Craftsmanship: Each warrior has unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor, showcasing advanced clay sculpting and bronze-casting techniques of the era.

Cultural Value: A testament to ancient Chinese military strategy, artistry, and belief in the afterlife, it’s a cornerstone of global archaeological heritage.

2. Terracotta Warriors Tour Route & Tips

a. Tour Route (3–4 hours)

Pit 1 (1.5 hours): The largest and most impressive, featuring the main infantry and chariot formations.
Pit 2 (45 minutes): Displays cavalry, archers, and war chariots, with ongoing excavation areas.
Pit 3 (30 minutes): The command center, smallest but strategically significant.
Exhibition Hall (30 minutes): Houses bronze chariots and historical artifacts.

b. Visiting Tips

Best Time: Arrive at 8:30 AM (opening time) to avoid crowds.
Order: Start with Pit 1 → Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Exhibition Hall.
Avoid Peak Seasons: October holidays (Oct 1–7) and summer vacations (July–August).

3. Highlight Experiences

a. Unique Activities

Clay Warrior Sculpting Workshop: Create mini terracotta figurines at the on-site cultural center.
Dress in Qin-style Costumes: Take photos in replica armor or Hanfu.
Interactive Archaeology Sessions: Join simulated digs (seasonal; book via official website).

b. Special Exhibits

Check the official website for temporary exhibitions: [www.bmy.com.cn](http://www.bmy.com.cn).

c. Cultural Immersion

Visit nearby Lintong Folk Art Village for traditional pottery and shadow puppet shows.
Watch the IMAX documentary at the visitor center for historical context.

4. Accommodation & Transportation

a. Xi'an Hotels Near Terracotta Warriors Museum

Recommended areas: Lintong District or along Metro Line 9.

Budget (¥200–400/night):

GreenTree Inn (Lintong) – 20-minute walk. Nearby: Huaqing Palace.
Hanting Express – 25-minute walk. Nearby: Qinling Mountains viewpoints.

Mid-Range (¥500–800/night):

Hilton Xi'an – 15-minute walk. Nearby: Lishan Scenic Area.
Jinjiang Inn – 10-minute walk. Nearby: Tang Dynasty Hot Springs.

Luxury (¥1,000+/night):

Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Palace – 5-minute drive. Nearby: Xi’an City Wall.
Wyndham Grand Plaza – 8-minute drive. Nearby: Muslim Quarter.

b. Transportation Guide

Metro: Take Line 9 to "Huaqingchi" Station, then taxi (10 minutes).
Bus: Tourist Bus No. 5 (¥25) from Xi’an Railway Station.
Taxi/Rideshare: 1-hour drive from downtown (¥120–150).

5. Travel Tips

a. Tickets

Online Booking: Purchase 3–7 days in advance via [www.bmy.com.cn](http://www.bmy.com.cn) (¥150/person; ID required).
On-site: Limited tickets at售票处 (sold out by noon in peak seasons).
Peak Seasons: July–August and October 1–7; arrive before 8 AM.
Afternoon Entry: Last admission at 4 PM.

Issues & Solutions: Overcrowding in peak times; book private guides for priority access.

b. Attire & Gear

Wear comfortable shoes (3+ hours of walking).
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water (limited vendors inside).

6. FAQs

a. Historical Origin

Built from 246–206 BCE as Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s afterlife army.

b. Opening Hours

8:30 AM – 6:30 PM (March–Nov); 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Dec–Feb).

c. Ticket Price

¥150 (adults); free for children under 1.2m.

d. Guide/E-Audio Prices

Guided Tours: ¥200–500 (2 hours).
E-Audio: ¥40–60 (available at entrance; lacks storytelling).

e. Prohibited Actions

No flash photography, tripods, or touching figures.

f. Nearby Attractions

Huaqing Palace (5 km; taxi 15 mins): Tang Dynasty hot springs.
Mount Li (8 km; cable car available): Panoramic views.

g. Distance to Other Xi’an Sites

City Wall: 40 km (1-hour taxi).
Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 35 km (Metro Line 9 → Line 4).

h. Photo Spots

Pit 1 Front Platform (main view).
Bronze Chariot Hall (intricate details).

i. Accessibility

Wheelchair ramps available; free rentals at the entrance.

7. Final Thoughts

The Terracotta Warriors are a timeless portal to China’s imperial past. From awe-inspiring archaeology to hands-on cultural activities, this site promises an unforgettable journey through history. Plan wisely, dive deep, and let the silent army tell its epic story.