The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
One of the most significant archaeological finds in the world, this 16,300-square-meter excavation reveals more than 7,000 life-size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- AndylkjSingapore, Singapore72 contributionsChan e to witness the 8th wonder of the worldImpressive and steeped in history. Area was big and fortunately it’s during off peak period in which there ain’t many people. Will need a tour guide else there is so much details that you will miss and why they still exists and what the statues meanVisited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 April 2023
- chewie999South Australia, Australia276 contributionsWhat can you say, Impressive!Just mentally prepare yourself for crowds and adapt to the situation and you will have a great time. A slow and methodical work in progress that will keep getting bigger. What they have restored is fantastic and you will not be disappointed. There are 3 pits which are all covered, plus an Exhibition Centre also worth a visit. With such a globally famous site, you do get the crowds, mostly with Chinese tour groups who 99% well behaved. Before entering there is a massive shopping and restaurant complex (you also go through it when exiting). Prepare for queues and a 1 km walk after entering before reaching the pits. So don't wear uncomfortable shoes.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 July 2023
- kk3n15 contributionsYou have to go, so just do itOK. If you go to Xi'an, everybody will ask if you saw the mud soldiers. So just do it. It's a nightmare, but not as much of a nightmare as you might expect (and we did it in high season in July). There is basically one place to take "the picture" and it swarms with tour groups. But if you get in position and are diligent you will eventually be swept up to the railing and will get your shots. When it's done, you will have the warm glow that you survived, and you can eat lamb burgers and celebrate when you get back to Xi'an. We went on our own with a Didi (Uber) car from our hotel. 2 minute wait both ways, and very affordable by US standards. So we could nip in to the railing and get views between tour groups. We could also ditch all of the crowds for lunch outside under the trees, which was a huge relief. If you are in a tour group, you will be stuck inside of it the whole time.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 July 2023
- andream0402Melbourne, Australia2,934 contributionsHighlight of our trip to ChinaThis was amazing ! Although very crowded, people do move through at a steady pace and eventually you can see everything you want to see. The scale is unimaginable until you see it for yourself in person. The detail on these warriors - all of them individuals is fascinating. Understanding the excavation and repair processes that have taken place for us to be able to view these warriors is amazing. A must see in China.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 September 2023
- Blake EvansShenzhen, China30 contributionsDay trip to the museumThis site is amazing to see! The size and quantity of warriors and horses is far most vast than what I could have expected as a foreigner. Site 1 and site 2 are impressive in size while site 3 is interesting to view the construction methods up closer. Tips: visit during an off time. Even when there isn’t a holiday the museum is still crowded with viewers.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 23 October 2023
- KM Lee213 contributionsJust soldiering on!What else can be said of one of world's wonders? Here I'll deal more with the transport aspects for independent travelers, as I wasted a lot of time with outdated information. First off, *all* the information about public bus transport from Xi'an city is outdated. There is now a direct metro ride to a station near the museum. That's where the local buses will take you in - NOT from Xi'an city anymore. Make your way to Xi'an metro line 9 which starts from the Fangzhicheng station. Take it to the Huaqinchi station. Cross the road and there'll be all kinds of transport options including the bus. As you are let off watch where the entrance and exit paths to the museum are as they may not be clearly marked. It's a very busy place where there are all kinds of people vying for your business. Tour guides, drivers for hire, hawkers, etc. You can buy tickets on the spot with cash. After queuing to get in, it's a dreary 700 m walk into the museum grounds. In contrast, the exit path is lined with all the shops selling food and souvenirs. December is supposedly off peak, but it was quite crowded. Peak period will be something to behold. The onsite cafe serves decent food. Enjoy!Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 19 December 2023
- MichaelBeijing, China8 contributionsThe same as in the internetWe did not enjoyed this place. It is interesting, large scale and world famous. But if you are not an archeologist, no need to get there as you will see almost the same as in the internet at home. A lot of people inside. There were gunmen ready to fire to secure this place that was not usual for China. It was a difficult work to create the warriors many years ago and even more difficult to excavate and restore nowadays. So it is permitted to observe warriors just from a distance. But about 5 of them were put on display in the other building, you can shoot and really observe separately.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 December 2023
- andrew c9 contributionsTerracotta WarriorsReally interesting place, very crowded when we went although it was a holiday so the crowds were expected. Admission was OK although the signposting for foreign visitors tickets was a little confusing. The viewing areas are raised above the excavations and you can struggle to get a good spot with the sheer number of people but persistence pays off. Definitely worthwhile.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 February 2024
- JElliot32New South Wales, Australia3,811 contributionsNot to be missed, everWe recently went on a tour of China that included Xi'an as an optional extra. We ticked the box to visit Xi'an and were rewarded with a fantastic, not-to-be forgotten experience, and easily the highlight of our trip. Easily ... the Great Wall was in the dust. I feel for those other tourists who didn't tick the Xi'an box - they might have saved a few dollars but missed a remarkable place, surely a wonder of the world. If you plan to visit China, make sure Xi'an is on the itinerary.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 25 February 2024
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JElliot32
New South Wales, Australia3,811 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We recently went on a tour of China that included Xi'an as an optional extra. We ticked the box to visit Xi'an and were rewarded with a fantastic, not-to-be forgotten experience, and easily the highlight of our trip. Easily ... the Great Wall was in the dust. I feel for those other tourists who didn't tick the Xi'an box - they might have saved a few dollars but missed a remarkable place, surely a wonder of the world. If you plan to visit China, make sure Xi'an is on the itinerary.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrew c
9 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Really interesting place, very crowded when we went although it was a holiday so the crowds were expected. Admission was OK although the signposting for foreign visitors tickets was a little confusing. The viewing areas are raised above the excavations and you can struggle to get a good spot with the sheer number of people but persistence pays off. Definitely worthwhile.
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael
Beijing, China8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We did not enjoyed this place. It is interesting, large scale and world famous. But if you are not an archeologist, no need to get there as you will see almost the same as in the internet at home. A lot of people inside. There were gunmen ready to fire to secure this place that was not usual for China. It was a difficult work to create the warriors many years ago and even more difficult to excavate and restore nowadays. So it is permitted to observe warriors just from a distance. But about 5 of them were put on display in the other building, you can shoot and really observe separately.
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KM Lee
Singapore213 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
What else can be said of one of world's wonders? Here I'll deal more with the transport aspects for independent travelers, as I wasted a lot of time with outdated information.
First off, *all* the information about public bus transport from Xi'an city is outdated. There is now a direct metro ride to a station near the museum. That's where the local buses will take you in - NOT from Xi'an city anymore.
Make your way to Xi'an metro line 9 which starts from the Fangzhicheng station. Take it to the Huaqinchi station. Cross the road and there'll be all kinds of transport options including the bus.
As you are let off watch where the entrance and exit paths to the museum are as they may not be clearly marked. It's a very busy place where there are all kinds of people vying for your business. Tour guides, drivers for hire, hawkers, etc.
You can buy tickets on the spot with cash. After queuing to get in, it's a dreary 700 m walk into the museum grounds. In contrast, the exit path is lined with all the shops selling food and souvenirs.
December is supposedly off peak, but it was quite crowded. Peak period will be something to behold. The onsite cafe serves decent food.
Enjoy!
First off, *all* the information about public bus transport from Xi'an city is outdated. There is now a direct metro ride to a station near the museum. That's where the local buses will take you in - NOT from Xi'an city anymore.
Make your way to Xi'an metro line 9 which starts from the Fangzhicheng station. Take it to the Huaqinchi station. Cross the road and there'll be all kinds of transport options including the bus.
As you are let off watch where the entrance and exit paths to the museum are as they may not be clearly marked. It's a very busy place where there are all kinds of people vying for your business. Tour guides, drivers for hire, hawkers, etc.
You can buy tickets on the spot with cash. After queuing to get in, it's a dreary 700 m walk into the museum grounds. In contrast, the exit path is lined with all the shops selling food and souvenirs.
December is supposedly off peak, but it was quite crowded. Peak period will be something to behold. The onsite cafe serves decent food.
Enjoy!
Written 20 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dyhx
Singapore3,494 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Xi'An - Terracotta 秦始皇陵兵马俑.
Booked a day tour via CTrip for CNY288 and opted for a small group one with no more than 8 pax.
There are 3 halls here, all built directly above the excavation site. The first was discovered in 1974, by a villager who was digging for a well. On his 3rd attempt, he uncovered many broken 'tiles' and from there, the Terracotta army was found. The entire area is estimated to host over 8000 pcs but so far, only 2000+ are excavated because they still haven't had the technology to preserve the colours on them. Once exposed, these artifacts lose their colour in 3-5 days. Most are found broken into 30 - 100 pieces, it takes anything between 8 months to 2 years to restore each soldier/horse/carriage. What we see today is the result of over 40 years of restoration work, that's still ongoing. Amazing how each of them are unique, with a different expression, hairstyle and even shoes, 千人千面. The only commonality is that they all have single eyelids. Each soldier is mounted on a platform which has cities carved into it, but it's unknown if the cities are where the soldiers are from or where the figurine is made.
秦兵马俑一号坑遗址 is the first and largest site, consisting mainly the frontline soldiers (步兵), the 2nd consists the special forces (特种兵) and the 3rd holds the commanding general and adviser. The 2nd site is largely untouched, but this is where they've displayed 5 exhibits in proper display cases, as this is the location where the only complete piece of soldier (跪射俑) was found. In the 3rd site, they've also left a section as it was (with the broken pieces), as a display for visitors to see how it originally looks, for comparison sake. It is also here that they've recreated a section in a photo studio setting (with proper lighting) where you can pay CNY10 per person to take photos with it on your own camera.
The Souvenir store is near to the 3rd location and in there, they sell these mini replicas of the Terracottas, made from the original earth/mud from the excavation site, and comes with certification from the museum, so one can own a real piece of this site.
Booked a day tour via CTrip for CNY288 and opted for a small group one with no more than 8 pax.
There are 3 halls here, all built directly above the excavation site. The first was discovered in 1974, by a villager who was digging for a well. On his 3rd attempt, he uncovered many broken 'tiles' and from there, the Terracotta army was found. The entire area is estimated to host over 8000 pcs but so far, only 2000+ are excavated because they still haven't had the technology to preserve the colours on them. Once exposed, these artifacts lose their colour in 3-5 days. Most are found broken into 30 - 100 pieces, it takes anything between 8 months to 2 years to restore each soldier/horse/carriage. What we see today is the result of over 40 years of restoration work, that's still ongoing. Amazing how each of them are unique, with a different expression, hairstyle and even shoes, 千人千面. The only commonality is that they all have single eyelids. Each soldier is mounted on a platform which has cities carved into it, but it's unknown if the cities are where the soldiers are from or where the figurine is made.
秦兵马俑一号坑遗址 is the first and largest site, consisting mainly the frontline soldiers (步兵), the 2nd consists the special forces (特种兵) and the 3rd holds the commanding general and adviser. The 2nd site is largely untouched, but this is where they've displayed 5 exhibits in proper display cases, as this is the location where the only complete piece of soldier (跪射俑) was found. In the 3rd site, they've also left a section as it was (with the broken pieces), as a display for visitors to see how it originally looks, for comparison sake. It is also here that they've recreated a section in a photo studio setting (with proper lighting) where you can pay CNY10 per person to take photos with it on your own camera.
The Souvenir store is near to the 3rd location and in there, they sell these mini replicas of the Terracottas, made from the original earth/mud from the excavation site, and comes with certification from the museum, so one can own a real piece of this site.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FHS257
Oakville, Canada16 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is the No. 1 thing to do in Xian
It’s said that no two terracotta warriors are alike. Facial expression, hair style, moustache style, costume and hand gesture are various from each other. Qin terracotta warriors were made using realistic style. So, after the unification of China, soldiers in Qin Army were from different areas and technics; besides, craftsmen were varied with different life experiences and skill, thus, no two terracotta warrior are the same
It’s said that no two terracotta warriors are alike. Facial expression, hair style, moustache style, costume and hand gesture are various from each other. Qin terracotta warriors were made using realistic style. So, after the unification of China, soldiers in Qin Army were from different areas and technics; besides, craftsmen were varied with different life experiences and skill, thus, no two terracotta warrior are the same
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blake Evans
Shenzhen, China30 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This site is amazing to see! The size and quantity of warriors and horses is far most vast than what I could have expected as a foreigner. Site 1 and site 2 are impressive in size while site 3 is interesting to view the construction methods up closer.
Tips: visit during an off time. Even when there isn’t a holiday the museum is still crowded with viewers.
Tips: visit during an off time. Even when there isn’t a holiday the museum is still crowded with viewers.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Qisiang R
Melbourne, Australia272 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We toured this place with a private tour guide during the "low" season-1st week of September. We were warned of the potential unpleasant crowd behaviour before we entered the hanger. What happened was worse than we could imagine. The number of tourists allowed into the hanger would have been illegal in most other tourist attraction places. Most of the vintage points were just full of crowd-some places up to about 5 deep! Not only that, the pushing and shoving could easily turn into some tragic outcome like other big crowd event. (One took place in South Korea middle of the year came to mind.) Someone actually rested her two elbows on my daughter's shoulder to "steady" herself when taking the photos! When I tried to get away from the front of the guard rail, I was pushed back towards the front as those people doing the pushing could not work out that I was going to let them into my spot to see the terracotta warriors. Apart from security guards inside the pit, I could not see any other form of crowd control. Out of necessity, few of the tour guides did yell out instructions to the badly behaved tourists. It was the same as you make your way along the side of the hanger towards the back of the building. In 1991, I could walk along the guard rail at my own leisure and had clear good view of the pit, but was not allow to take photo. Now, I could take photos but find it virtually impossible to do that. The touring of this place is very challenging. Maybe organisation like Tripadvisor could hopefully provide input to touring industries for a better crowd management solution (e.g. setting the daily entry quotas and/or staggered entry time) to this very popular tourists attraction. Otherwise, pick a very, very off-peak time to tour here.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulJ
San Diego, CA15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A magnificent view into ancient history. Be sure to visit all three pits as they each have their own character and highlights.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andream0402
Melbourne, Australia2,934 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
This was amazing ! Although very crowded, people do move through at a steady pace and eventually you can see everything you want to see. The scale is unimaginable until you see it for yourself in person. The detail on these warriors - all of them individuals is fascinating. Understanding the excavation and repair processes that have taken place for us to be able to view these warriors is amazing.
A must see in China.
A must see in China.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
federicamormando
Milan, Italy20 contributions
non riesco ad acquistare i bigietti online. Com eposso fare?
federicamormando
Milan, Italy20 contributions
non riesco ad acquistsre online i biglietti. come fare?
pollbike
Gardone Riviera, Italy79 contributions
Li ho presi anch'io direttamente alle biglietterie. L'importante è arrivare presto, così da poter entrare tra i primi, dopo diventa davvero impossibile per la troppa gente.
HappyTrailszz
Chicago, IL11 contributions
If you tend to be slow and lingering in museums and other sites, would you recommend a full day or is a half day probably right?
TIA.
omega123
Singapore, Singapore7,364 contributions
It depends on which month of the year you are there. Peak season, you will be pushed forward by the crowd unless you hold your ground. Lull season, half to 2/3 day should be sufficient.
I took a day because I went on my own by the public transport. The journey alone is about 1 hour by the Tourism Bus 5(306) at East Square of Xian Railway station, passing 10 stops, get off at Terracotta Warriors station.
Coming back was longer due to the traffic jam at the city outskirts roads
Hi I had purchased 2 soldiers and i only received one who would i contact to get the other soldier
Martin G
Washington DC, DC94 contributions
I have no idea whom to contact. Probably the gift shop at the museum. Good luck with that
JWan
Joplin, MO16 contributions
Can you rent a wheelchair there? I have a family member with limited mobility.
Hanson LAU
Richmond, Canada119 contributions
You can check at the Visitor Centre. You can rent a wheelchair and also a staff member to push (don't mind the pun) you around.
He/she knows where the elevators are but you will follow the flow of the crowd. This only works if you are on your own tour. If you are with a group tour then you must make sure to meet the group at the appointed time. The museum will be crowded but take your time. Enjoy.
David M
Oslo, Norway242 contributions
Hi, first time to China and I am planning to visit the Museum. My question is there a taxi rank outside the museum to get back into town or the airport. Thank you in advance.
Hanson LAU
Richmond, Canada119 contributions
Sorry I have been travelling and did not check TRIPADVISOR for your question until now. I see Ayechan666 has given you the best advice. Hope you enjoy the museum and visit to China.
Hola Juan,
Cuanto te costo el Uber y cuanto te costo el guia ?
Gracias,
Daniel H
Heeschterberkediebe
Buchen im Odenwald, Germany388 contributions
Hallo ,wir hatten eine private Rundreise gebucht alles inklusive unser Guide hat den Eintritt bezahlt .Nur Trinkgeld für den Gude war nicht inbegriffen pro Tag ca.10 Euro
LillabethW
Newcastle, Australia15 contributions
Is there an audio guide available to hire at the site? September 2019
Ruby4861
New Delhi, India76 contributions
Yes! But you wont hear anything as there is so much crowd that staying in front of warriors fir a min to admire them is a big big task, u hv to push crowd...
Lkd3755
27 contributions
Has the area accessible to visitors expanded substantially since summer 2001? I am trying to decide whether it is worth another trip.
Byron C
Tewkesbury, UK27 contributions
Not sure how big it was in 2001 but there are 3 sites, plus various shops on the way out it took us well over two hours to walk around
doris30nz
Ohakune, New Zealand48 contributions
Hi. I am travelling to China on 7th September and visiting here. Super excited as I have never been before. Is there a gift shop though and how expensive is it? Thanks
Martyn B
Southampton, UK19 contributions
DONT buy Jade in there ,I did on my visit and with our Chinese guides recommendations and advice I spent £1600 ,on return to UK I had it valued for insurance purposes and it was valued at £200 Max
My silly fault so it’s just a warning
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Claim your listingTHE MUSEUM OF QIN TERRA-COTTA WARRIORS AND HORSES: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses:
- Private Half-Day Tour of Xi'an Terracotta Warriors (From $228.16)
- Private Customizable Terracotta Warriors Full Day Tour (From $201.14)
- Customized Private Day Tour of Terracotta Warriors and Xi'an (From $180.55)
- Mini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar (From $244.57)
- Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses Essential Full Day Tour from Xi'an (From $162.50)
- Hotels near The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses:
- (0.45 km) Jinqiu Yixinyuan Hotel
- (9.40 km) Angsana Xi’an Lintong
- (0.84 km) Xiyuan Resort
- (0.91 km) Terra-Cotta Warriors Guesthouse
- (4.19 km) Qin'an Hotel
- Restaurants near The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses:
- (0.75 km) Old Xian Restaurant
- (0.75 km) A Wa Shan Zhaiz
- (4.47 km) Yi JianXin Lou Niu Mutton PaoMo Guan
- (5.29 km) Guan ZhongLao Wan (Chan Ba BanDao)
- (5.33 km) KFC (Qinling North Road)
- Attractions near The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses:
- (0.49 km) China Highlights Xi'an
- (0.32 km) Xian Terracotta Warriors
- (0.73 km) Tomb of Qin Er Shi
- (1.46 km) Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
- (6.47 km) Huaqing Palace