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Terracotta Army

The Eighth Wonder of the World, guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang for over 2,000 years

Terracotta Army Guide

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Terracotta Army Overview

A comprehensive guide to the Terracotta Army, one of China's most iconic archaeological discoveries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Located in Lintong District, Xi'an, the site was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well. The army consists of more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 670 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, all in realistic life-sized proportions.

The warriors vary in height according to their rank, with generals being the tallest. Their faces appear to be unique, suggesting that each figure was modeled after a real person. The site also includes the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang himself, which remains unexcavated to this day. The Terracotta Army is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World.

8,000+

Warriors Discovered

2,200

Years of History

1974

Year Discovered

Lintong District

8:30 - 17:00

¥120 per person

March - November

Recommended Tour Routes

The Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang consists of two main areas — the Lishan Garden and the Terracotta Army Museum. Here are two recommended options to make the most of your visit:

Option A: Classic & Efficient (Morning: Lishan Garden → Afternoon: Terracotta Army)
Start with the outdoor Lishan Garden in the morning to avoid the midday sun. Then head indoors to the Terracotta Army Museum in the afternoon for a cool and comfortable experience.
Option B: Beat the Crowds (Afternoon: Terracotta Army → Evening: Lishan Garden)
If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive at 1–2 pm and head straight to the Terracotta Army. Visitor numbers are much lower at this time, making for excellent photo opportunities. Finish your day at Lishan Garden to catch the sunset.

Terracotta Army Museum Guide

Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the museum centers around three pits and one exhibition hall. Recommended visiting order: Pit 1 → Pit 3 → Pit 2.

Pit 1: The most spectacular main battlefield — an infantry and chariot formation showcasing the awe-inspiring "thousand faces, thousand warriors." The best viewing platform is right by the entrance.
Pit 3: The smallest pit but highest in status — this served as the "command center" of the underground army.
Pit 2: A multi-unit "special forces" formation with the densest concentration of highlights. The museum's iconic kneeling archer is here — you can even see the delicate tread patterns on the soles of its shoes.
Artifact Exhibition Hall: Don't miss it! On display are bronze swords, stone armor, and unrestored terracotta fragments that reveal the raw traces of history.

Lishan Garden Guide

This is the actual burial site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The park is enormous — be sure to purchase the ¥15 sightseeing bus ticket, or you'll be walking until you drop.

Bronze Chariot Museum: The crown jewel of Lishan Garden! Hailed as the "Supreme Treasure of Bronze," the intricate craftsmanship is a marvel to behold.
Acrobatic Pit (K9901): The terracotta figures here strike diverse poses — a dramatic contrast to the military formation style of the warriors.
Civil Official Pit (K0006): Displays the administrative officials who managed the mausoleum complex, giving you a fuller picture of this entire "underground kingdom."