The Terracotta Army
One of the greatest archaeological finds in history - thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, each with a unique face, buried to guard China's first emperor for eternity, near Xi'an, a UNESCO site.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
The Terracotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made, an astonishing buried force of thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots created over two thousand years ago to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, in the afterlife. Discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, each warrior has a unique face, and the vast ranks, still being excavated near Xi'an, are a UNESCO wonder.
What you actually see
- Pit One - the great hall of ranked warriors, the largest excavation.
- The unique faces - the individually modelled soldiers and their expressions.
- The horses and chariots - the cavalry and bronze chariots.
- The ongoing excavation - the pits still being uncovered.
When to go
Spring and autumn for the mildest weather; go early to beat the tour crowds, especially in the vast main pit. It is a half-day trip from Xi'an, whose own ancient city walls and Muslim Quarter are worth combining.
Honest expectations
It is extremely popular, so the main pit, viewed from a walkway above and around, is crowded, and you cannot get very close to the warriors. It takes a little imagination to appreciate the scale. It is best paired with Xi'an itself. A guide helps make sense of the history and the site.
Nearby
Xi'an with its ancient city walls, the Muslim Quarter and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is nearby.
What to pack for The Terracotta Army
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
