Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

Museum · Xi'an

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

Museum · Xi'an

Lintong District, Xi'An, Shaanxi, China, 710612

Highlights

Lifelike terra-cotta warriors, chariots, horses, and musicians.

Lintong District, Xi'An, Shaanxi, China, 710612 Get directions

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@afar

"China's Game Of Thrones The story of the Emperor Qin reads something like Game of Thrones , with hostages, feuding brothers, wars, and the ultimate unification and creation of what we know as China today. Wanting to protect himself in the afterlife, Emperor Qin created an army of 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses made of terra-cotta. The first lineup of soldiers were said to be the "Dare to Die" soldiers as they were quick and sharp like a knife. They wore less armor than the rest of the warriors. This is one of the most massive archaeological finds on the planet and is found an hour outside of Xi’an China. Restoring the warriors was like putting together a complex puzzle— it's really amazing to see how meticulously everything was recreated."

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Edoardo Carta

Google

A stunning site where this army was discovered. I recommend going with a guide and avoiding peak hours. I also advise against going there in the height of summer, as you will find rivers of people and you will not enjoy the visit at all. I recommend a stick for taking photos and videos with your phone.

Ryan Bagley

Google

Visiting Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum to see the Terracotta Army is undeniably a great opportunity to see one of the world's most important archaeological discoveries. I have always wanted to witness this historical marvel firsthand, and the sheer scale and intricate detail of the warriors truly are awe-inspiring. It is an incredible testament to ancient craftsmanship and imperial power. However, my experience was definitely shaped by the elements. The brutal 104 F heat made the visit incredibly challenging. Walking between the various pits and exhibition halls under such intense sun, even with water, was quite draining. It certainly detracted from my ability to fully immerse myself in the historical significance of the site, as I was constantly seeking shade and a cooler spot. I strongly advise future visitors to check the weather and consider cooler months if possible. Beyond the heat, the museum experience was typical for a major attraction in China, complete with massive crowds and queues. Navigating through the throngs of people to get a good view of the pits required patience and some strategic positioning. While the sheer number of visitors speaks to the site's popularity, it does mean that a serene, contemplative experience is hard to come by. I found myself waiting in lines for entry and to move between viewing areas. Despite these challenges, seeing the Terracotta Army remains an unforgettable experience. It is a powerful historical site that every traveler should try to visit. Just be prepared for the heat, the crowds, and the typical museum flow you might encounter at such a popular destination.

KarenL

Google

Spectacular & must visit with a guide to explain. Came during off peak and the place was already packed. Hard to imagine how it would be like during peak period. Be sure not to lose Your guide as reception was not good inside. Overall good experience except that if you come with a guide it will be rushed. After the tour you may choose to go back to the pits on your own again to take more pictures.

S S

Google

Genuinely impressive to see what work has been put in this in former times. The excavations can be den from pretty close, so drystone of the soldiers can be observed pretty well. The site stretches over three big halls. There's also a museum showing other artefacts and explaining how everything was built. Expect a lot of tourists especially in weekends and holidays. It can be very crowded in the main hall, for the rest it gets better. Buying tickets in advance is smart. It is possible to get them in site but it's unnecessary waiting. Behind the exit the way back to the parking lot is through a food street, so you don't have to go hungry. Since the site is quite a bit outside the city, consider taking a driver for the day.

Sakinah

Google

Visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum was truly a dream come true. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to witness the soldiers in real life, and seeing them up close was absolutely fascinating. The craftsmanship and artistry of the people from the Qin Dynasty are incredible—every statue is detailed and unique, and it really gives you a glimpse into the past. The museum itself is well-maintained and air-conditioned, which made the visit comfortable despite the heat outside. However, we went during Labor Day, so the crowd was quite overwhelming. If you’re planning to visit during a public holiday, be prepared for a lot of people. I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance—we used Trip.com, and it was very convenient. Also, don’t forget to bring your passport, as it’s required for entry into the museum. Overall, it’s an unforgettable historical experience and a must-see when in Xi’an.

Steve Migliara

Google

This was high on my must see, must go list. Xi'an is a busy and beautiful city to see and enjoy. The Terracotta Warriors was the highlight of this trip. It was amazing to see this incredible find. I stayed at the Westin Hotel, which is also across the street from the Flying Goose Pagoda. Worthy note, avoid going in the heat of the summer, if possible. Like and follow for more amazing places to see and visit around the world

Victor Diaconu

Google

It was super hot, but the experience was worth it in my opinion. There are 3 Pits where you can see the Warriors, which look amazing. There is also a museum. The buildings HAVE AC, but it is pretty crowded especially when there are groups with guides.

Darren Beer

Google

This site is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors. I visited on a weekday, and the crowd was pretty mild, which made it easy to take everything in. The experience was impressive on several levels. First, the army itself is remarkable and seeing all the warriors lined up gave me a real emotional moment. Second, the effort taken to protect them is very commendable. They’re housed in massive, air-conditioned hangar-style buildings that shield them well from the elements. Third, the walkways are well-designed, giving you plenty of space and good vantage points so getting around is easy and never felt crowded. Our guide explained that the way the warriors are laid out mirrors how the real army would’ve been arranged: the front rows were younger soldiers, essentially the first to fall in battle. Another wild fact, every warrior was found smashed to pieces and had to be carefully excavated and reassembled like a giant puzzle. And finally, the story behind the discovery really adds to the sense of mystery and destiny. The entire site was found by accident when a farmer was digging a well. If not for that, the world might never have seen this wonder.