Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army)

秦始皇帝陵博物院

Known as the eighth wonder of the world, the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum features 8,000 clay figures in battle formations, three pits, and bronze chariots. It is a must-see World Heritage Site in Xi’an.

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Museum lies on the northern slope of Mount Li in Lintong District. It was discovered in 1974 when farmers were digging a well and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987. Its core consists of three Terracotta Army pits. Pit 1 is the largest, measuring 230 by 62 meters, with more than 6,000 clay figures arranged as infantry and chariot formations. The most striking moment is entering through the main gate and facing the army head-on. At the back of the pit, you can watch archaeologists restoring figures on site. Pit 2 is a mixed formation of crossbowmen, cavalry, and chariots, and it displays highlights such as kneeling archers, standing archers, and senior officer figures. Pit 3 was the command post. Next to Pit 3, the exhibition hall displays two original bronze chariots from the Qin tomb, excavated in 1980 and representing the peak of Qin bronze craftsmanship.

Admission is 120 yuan, which includes the Lishan Garden of the Qin Mausoleum, where the burial mound is located and a free shuttle bus runs. Tickets must be reserved in advance with real-name registration through the official website or WeChat account of the “Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Museum.” Daily visitor numbers are limited, so book several days ahead for holidays. Official guides cost about 100–150 yuan per group, or you can rent an audio guide for 40 yuan. A guide is highly recommended, since without one you will only see “clay figures.”

Suggested route: Pit 1, then Pit 3, then Pit 2, then the bronze chariot hall, and finally the Lishan Garden by bus (about 1 hour, optional).

Getting there: take Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi station or Qinling West station and transfer to a bus (about 15 minutes). Alternatively, take bus 5 (306) from the east square of Xi’an Railway Station, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs 7 yuan. Look for the official bus and ignore touts offering rides. A taxi costs about 150 yuan.

This can be combined with Huaqing Palace as an eastern day trip: see the Terracotta Army in the morning, when crowds are smaller, then Huaqing Palace in the afternoon, and “Song of Everlasting Regret” in the evening.

The souvenir street outside the site sells terracotta figurines priced from a few dozen to over a thousand yuan, and bargaining is expected.

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army)

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