Historic site · SHAANXI · UNESCO
Terracotta Army
兵马俑 · Bīngmǎyǒng
About
Some 8,000 life-size terracotta soldiers buried in 210 BCE to guard the tomb of China's first emperor. Discovered 1974. UNESCO-listed.
The Terracotta Army was buried 35 km east of Xi'an in 210 BCE as part of the funerary complex of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China. Each figure is approximately life-size, with individualised facial features, and arranged in three pits — Pit 1 with the largest infantry array (around 6,000 figures), Pit 2 with cavalry and crossbowmen, Pit 3 with the command post. The figures were originally painted; most pigment was lost on excavation, but newer recovery techniques are now in use. The site was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well. UNESCO-listed since 1987.
Visit through the digital exhibition centre, which now manages entry by mandatory shuttle. Allow 4–5 hours including travel and the museum.
How to get there
Tourist bus 5 (306) from Xi'an Railway Station East Square (¥7, 60 min). Or hired car ¥300–¥500.
When to visit
Weekday early morning. Pit 1 is the most crowded; visit Pits 2 and 3 first then return to Pit 1.
Crowds: Avoid public holidays. Domestic-tour-group volume peaks 10am–noon.
Other attractions in Xi'an
Itineraries featuring this site
- Xi'an in 3 days
3d · Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, the Wild Goose Pagodas.
- Family Beijing and Xi'an — 7 days, relaxed pace
7d · Seven days in Beijing and Xi'an at a pace that works for children: fewer sites per day, breaks built in, and activities with hands-on appeal — the Panda Base of the north and hands-on history at the Terracotta Army.
- Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai — 7-day first-timer circuit
7d · The canonical first-time China loop: two days in imperial Beijing, one day in Xi'an for the Terracotta Army, and two days in Shanghai. Linked by HSR throughout.
- One week China classics — Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
7d · The first-time-traveller's loop: imperial Beijing, the Terracotta Army at Xi'an, Shanghai's skyline. Connected by overnight train or short HSR.
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