The Ultimate Guide to the Terracotta Army!

Introduction to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum Located in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum is a World Cultural Heritage Site and a national 5A-rated scenic spot. It houses the Terracotta Army, hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The museum consists of the Terracotta Army Museum and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Site Park (Lishan Garden), covering a vast area and showcasing the pinnacle of Qin Dynasty military, culture, and art. It is not only the guardian of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor but also a living fossil of ancient Chinese civilization. Each Terracotta Warrior seems to tell the story of the glorious Qin Empire from two thousand years ago. Transportation Guide 1. By Car - From downtown Xi'an: Drive east along the Xi'an-Lintong Expressway (G30) for about 30 km, exit at the Lintong exit, and follow the signs to the scenic spot. The entire journey takes about 40 mins. - Visitors from other areas: Take the Xi'an Ring Expressway to the Xi'an-Lintong Expressway. Set your navigation to "Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum." There are multiple parking lots at the scenic spot, with a parking fee of approx. CNY 6 per visit. 2. Public Transportation - Subway + Bus: Take Subway Line 9 from downtown Xi'an to Huaqing Pool Station, then transfer to Lintong Tourist Bus No. 613 or Lintong Bus No. 602. The last stop is the scenic spot. The entire journey takes about 1.5 hrs. - Tourist Direct Bus: Take Bus No. 306 (Tourist Bus No. 5) or Bus No. 307 from the east square of Xi'an Railway Station. The fare is CNY 5–7, and the journey takes about 70 mins. The last bus departs at 7pm. - Arriving by High-Speed Rail/Airplane: - Xi'an North Railway Station: Take Subway Line 2 to Line 1, then transfer to Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station, and finally transfer to a bus. - Xi'an Xianyang International Airport: Take the airport bus to the West City Passenger Transport Station, then transfer to Subway Line 1 and then Line 9, or charter a car directly to the scenic spot (approx. 2.5 hrs). Must-See Attractions 1. Terracotta Army Pit No. 1—The Magnificent Military Formation As the largest of the pits, Pit No. 1 contains over 6,000 terracotta figures and horses, recreating the majestic momentum of the Qin army's conquest. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening to avoid peak crowds and appreciate the detailed carvings and military layout of the Terracotta Army. 2. Terracotta Army Pit No. 2—The Wisdom of Combined Arms Pit No. 2 is famous for its "three-dimensional military formation" of archers, cavalry, and chariots. The exhibited kneeling archers, generals, and other treasures are artistic gems. There are also glass display cases where you can observe the remaining traces of paint on the terracotta figures up close. 3. Terracotta Army Pit No. 3—The Mysterious Command Center Although small in size, Pit No. 3 served as the command center of the Qin army. The unearthed warrior figures holding ceremonial weapons demonstrate the rigor of the ancient military command system. 4. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Site Park (Lishan Garden)—The Unsolved Mystery of the Imperial Mausoleum With your Terracotta Army ticket, you can take a free shuttle bus to visit the burial mound and accompanying pit ruins of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Although the surface structures have disappeared, the legend of the "unopened underground palace" adds to the mystery. 5. Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum—The Pinnacle of Ancient Craftsmanship The museum displays the bronze chariots and horses from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, known as the "Crown of Bronze." Two bronze chariots are restored at a 1:2 scale, with details as intricate as the silver threads of the horse's reins, showcasing the extraordinary level of metallurgy and craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty. Unique Experiences and Practical Information Tickets and Discounts - Ticket price: CNY 120 for adults (including Terracotta Army + Lishan Garden), CNY 60 for students; combined tickets including Huaqing Palace and other attractions are more affordable (book on Trip.com for as low as CNY 219). - Free admission: Seniors over 65, active military personnel and their families, and firefighters with valid IDs. - New discount: Starting from December 2024, free admission for police officers and half price for veterans. Opening Hours - Peak season (March 16–November 15): 8:30am–6:30pm (last entry at 5pm) - Off-season (November 16–March 15): 8:30am–6pm (last entry at 4:30pm). In-Depth Experience Recommendations - Guided Tours: Group tours are approx. CNY 90/5 people, or book a "ticket + guided tour + direct bus" package on Trip.com (including wireless headsets) for an in-depth interpretation of historical details. - Panoramic Cinema: Watch a VR movie for CNY 68 and experience the excavation and restoration of the Terracotta Army through an immersive experience. Food and Accommodation - Must-try snacks: Lintong pomegranate juice, Yang Rou Pao Mo (mutton stew with bread), Rou Jia Mo (meat sandwich). You can find these at the food street outside the scenic spot. - Accommodation recommendations: - High-end option: Huaqing Yutang Hotel (adjacent to Huaqing Palace, Tang Dynasty-style design). - Budget-friendly option: Budget hotels in Lintong District (such as Home Inn and Hanting), affordable and conveniently located.