Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour: Discover the Marvels of History

A standard visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Visitors typically spend around 60 minutes exploring Pit 1, the largest excavation site featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers. Then, they spend an additional 30 to 40 minutes visiting Pits 2 and 3, which showcase the army’s command structure and military formations. About 20 to 30 minutes are spent in the Bronze Chariot Exhibition Hall to admire finely crafted bronze artifacts. For those who want a deeper understanding, guided tours may extend the visit to around 3 hours. The museum grounds are mostly flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. We recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and wearing comfortable walking shoes for the best experience.

The Terracotta Warriors site is approximately 67 kilometers (29.5 miles) from Xi’an Xianyang Airport. Depending on your mode of transport, the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Option 1: Shuttle Bus
The most budget-friendly option is to take the shuttle bus. From the ground transportation center on the first floor of Terminal 3 (T3), board the shuttle bus to Lingtong District. At Lingtong, transfer to Bus No. 914, which will take you directly to Bingmayong Station near the Terracotta Warriors. The total fare is around CNY 35, and the trip lasts about two hours.

Option 2: Taxi
For more convenience, especially if you have luggage, you can take a licensed taxi from designated stands located at the Arrival Exit of Terminal 1 (T1), Exit 211 of Terminal 2 (T2), or the first floor of the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) at Terminal 3 (T3). The taxi fare is approximately CNY 180, and the journey takes around one and a half hours.

Option 3: Book Our Private Tour
For a more comfortable and personalized experience, consider booking our private tour service. Our professional guide and driver will pick you up directly from Xi’an airport, provide door-to-door transfer to the Terracotta Warriors, and tailor the itinerary to your preferences. This option is ideal for families, groups, or travelers with heavy luggage. Please contact us to customize your private tour and ensure a hassle-free visit.

The best time to visit the Terracotta Warriors is during spring (March to early June) and autumn (September to early November), when the weather is mild and comfortable, making outdoor exploration more enjoyable. During these seasons, the site also tends to be less crowded compared to the busy summer months and major holidays.

To avoid large crowds and have a more pleasant visit, we recommend the following:

• Arrive early, ideally right when the site opens at 8:30 AM. The first hour after opening is usually the least crowded, allowing you to explore more peacefully.

• Plan your visit on weekdays, especially from Tuesday to Thursday, as weekends and public holidays, including major Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year and National Day (October 1–7), see a significant increase in visitor numbers—sometimes up to three times the usual crowd.

• Consider booking a private tour. This gives you the flexibility to enter the site at off-peak times, skip long lines, and receive personalized guidance, making your visit smoother and more rewarding.

The recommended scientific visiting route is: Exhibition Hall:  Pit 1- Pit 3- Pit 2 Bronze Chariot and Horse Gallery. This order, from smaller to larger pits, helps visitors gradually understand the excavation process and archaeological significance of the Terracotta Warriors. Pit 1, the largest hall, deserves at least one hour, where you can closely observe the restoration areas on both east and west sides showcasing ongoing archaeological work. Pit 3 is the smallest but best preserved, while Pit 2 houses the prized kneeling archers and general statues.

Yes, we can absolutely arrange a private Terracotta Warriors tour with pickup from your hotel in Xi’an, or any hotel within the city.

This customized private tour includes:

• A professional English-speaking guide

• Comfortable private vehicle with a licensed driver

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Entrance ticket to the Terracotta Warriors & Museum

Your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel, take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors and Museum, and return you to your hotel after the tour. The itinerary is 100% flexible, so you can choose the start time and let your guide know any preferences or special interests during the tour.

Yes, there are several food options available during the Half Day Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour. Near the site, you’ll find local restaurants offering popular Xi’an specialties such as roujiamo (Chinese burger), liangpi (cold noodles), and biang biang mian (wide hand-pulled noodles), which are tasty and give you a chance to try authentic local flavors. If you prefer something more familiar, there are also fast food options like KFC and convenience stores nearby for quick snacks and drinks. Since our tour is flexible, you can decide when and where to eat according to your own pace and preferences. If needed, your guide will be happy to recommend the best food spots based on what you like.

The Terracotta Warriors Museum, recognized as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is open year-round without holidays, including public holidays. The opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM during the peak season (March 16 to November 15) and from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM during the off-season (November 16 to March 15).

The site operates a timed ticket reservation system. Visitors are advised to book tickets at least 3 days in advance via the official WeChat account (Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum). The adult ticket price is 120 RMB, which includes access to Pit 1, Pit 2, Pit 3 of the Terracotta Army, and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum site (Lishan Garden).

Visitors under 16 years old with valid ID can enter for free but must also make a reservation in advance. The last admission is one hour before closing, so it is recommended to plan your visit with at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the site.

Regarding payment for the All-Inclusive Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour from Beijing (by flight or high-speed train), we require a 30% deposit to confirm your booking. This deposit can be made via PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or bank transfer. The remaining balance can be conveniently settled in cash directly with your guide at the conclusion of the tour.

All our Xi’an tours are fully customizable. The Muslim Quarter can be included in this tour if you wish. Since the Terracotta Warriors site is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Xi’an, your guide will take you to the Muslim Quarter either after visiting all other sites at no extra charge, or you may choose to replace one of the attractions with the Muslim Quarter. There is no entrance fee for the Muslim Quarter. 

Senior visitors can rent wheelchairs for 200 RMB at Service Desk 1 (Gate 1), with a refundable deposit of 300 RMB required. The site is equipped with accessible pathways for those with mobility needs. Parents with infants can obtain a "Mother and Baby Room" key at the Visitor Center, which includes diaper-changing facilities. Disabled visitors enjoy priority access and dedicated restrooms.

Students aged 16 and above must present a valid student ID to purchase half-price tickets; carrying both a student card and ID card is recommended. Foreign visitors need to exchange their tickets at the manned ticket window using their passport.

Please note, the site has many stairs and uneven surfaces, so non-slip athletic shoes are advised. Temperatures vary across exhibition halls (Gate 1 Pit has no air conditioning), so dressing in layers is recommended. The use of selfie sticks and tripods is prohibited. Professional photography requires prior approval.