Terracotta Army: booking, pits and the two-site visit

Thousands of life-size warriors stand in battle order in long pits, each with its own face, and many more are still buried. The visit is about that archaeology and the detail of Qin-era soldiers, not just a single photograph. Decide whether you want the pits alone or Lishan Garden too, reserve your entry slot online and arrange your transport from Xi'an. One ticket covers two separate areas, so count on a half day with the transfer, the checks and the walking.

What the visit includes

The mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang lies at the northern foot of Lishan Mountain, 35 km northeast of Xi'an. Qin Shi Huang founded the first unified empire in Chinese history in the 3rd century BCE. The army of statues was discovered in 1974, and thousands of figures are still expected to be unearthed. It is a unique testimony to the military organisation of the Warring States period and the short-lived Qin empire.^[1] You see warriors, horses and bronze chariots in an active excavation site: some figures are restored, others lie in pieces, and the central burial chamber is not open.

Reserve before arrival

The museum runs a real-name online reservation system. All visitors, including foreign visitors and those with free admission, must reserve and prepay through the official website, the official WeChat account of the museum or the Terracotta Warriors ticket service. The standard adult ticket is RMB120, and a student ticket for full-time undergraduates and below costs RMB60 with a valid student ID. Adult and online education students do not qualify, and there are further concessions for eligible seniors, children and others.^[2] Overseas visitors can also book through a service platform that works in 24 languages and takes 29 currencies, launched in April 2024.^[3]

Ticket checks run from 08:30 to 16:30 between 16 November and 15 March, and from 08:30 to 17:00 between 16 March and 15 November. Arrive half an hour before your reserved time slot and enter on time.^[2] The ticket check is not the closing time, so do not leave your visit to the last minute.

Match your ticket and document

Bring the original valid document you used for the reservation, for foreign visitors the passport. The gate staff check it against your ticket. The North Gate is the only entrance, and the museum has a one-way route for entering and leaving.^[2] Keep your booking confirmation on your phone, including offline.

Choose the pits and Lishan Garden

Pit 1 gives the broad view of the army in ranks. Pit 2 shows different units, among them archers, cavalry and chariots. Pit 3 is the command post. Compare how the pits are organised, because each shows a different side of the army. Stay on the visitor route behind the barriers.

The ticket covers two sites: the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Lishan Garden archaeological park of the mausoleum. A free shuttle bus runs from the Terracotta Warriors parking lot to Lishan Garden, so you can continue after the pits.^[2] Ask at the exit how long the shuttle runs and whether you can still enter, before you transfer.

Travel from Xi'an

The museum is about 35 km from Xi'an.^[1] Plan the trip from your hotel to the museum entrance and back: compare public transport, a taxi or ride-hailing car and an organised transfer. A private car suits a group or luggage; compare the full price, the waiting time and the return arrangements. If you book a tour, check whether it includes the entry reservation, a guide, both museum areas and no extra shopping stops.

Time, guides and practical choices

The museum suggests about 1.5 hours to visit both areas. Add the transport, the checks, the walk, breaks and the shuttle, and allow the larger part of a day.^[2] Follow your reserved slot; arriving early or switching the order of the pits does not shorten the crowds. A guide is optional: agree on the language, the scope, the duration and the total cost beforehand, or read up on the site before you come.

Wheelchairs and strollers are available at the Tourist Service Center west of the North Square ticket gate, and the park has accessible routes for elderly and disabled visitors, pregnant women and visitors with large luggage. The luggage storage east of the ticket hall, behind the LED screen wall, is free for items that pass security. Keep your passport and valuables with you.^[2] Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the weather, and bring water. Huaqing Palace and the Xi'an City Wall are separate outings with their own tickets and schedules.