Located in Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses is a site museum built on the ruins of the Qin Terra-cotta Warriors Horses funerary pits. It is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, known as one of the "Eight Wonders of the World," and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and key national cultural relic protection unit.
The museum houses three Terra-cotta Warriors Pits (Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3). The total construction area of the three site halls is 34,730 square meters, covering all three pits. Pit 1, the largest, is a rectangular pit measuring 230 meters in length and 62 meters in width, with a total area of 14,260 square meters. It displays a main military formation of chariots and infantry. Pit 2, the essence of the Qin Pit complex, covers 6,000 square meters and consists of four units, forming a mixed formation of chariots, cavalry, and crossbowmen, demonstrating a complex tactical system. Pit 3, an indented-shaped pit spanning 524 square meters, is speculated to be the military command center (headquarters). The museum currently covers an area of 46.1 hectares and holds over 50,000 collections (sets).
History and Culture
The Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are auxiliary pits of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, built from 246 BCE over 39 years. As the first imperial mausoleum in Chinese history, its layout symbolizes the urban structure of the Qin capital. Discovered accidentally by local farmers digging a well in 1974, the site stunned the world after archaeological excavations. In 1987, the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (including the Terra-cotta Warriors Pits) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming a golden symbol of ancient Chinese civilization.
The discovery of the Terra-cotta Warriors provides invaluable physical evidence for studying Qin Dynasty military, politics, economy, culture, and technology. Thousands of terracotta figures and horses are arranged in battle formations. The warrior figures average 1.8 meters in height, with robust physiques, complete equipment, and lifelike details, showcasing the powerful lineup of the Qin Army that "conquered the six states" and the superb sculpting art of the Qin Dynasty.
Main Attractions
Terra-cotta Warriors Pit 1
The first discovered pit, Pit 1 is rectangular, 230 meters long, 62 meters wide, and about 5 meters deep, with a total area of 14,260 square meters. It houses approximately 6,000 terracotta figures and horses, with the excavated section displaying a main military formation of chariots and infantry. The figures include soldier figures and military officer figures, arranged in neat rows, vividly recreating the combat scene of the Qin Army's main force.
Terra-cotta Warriors Pit 2
Considered the highlight of the Qin Pits, Pit 2 covers 6,000 square meters and consists of four units, including crossbowmen formations, chariot formations, cavalry formations, and mixed chariot-infantry-cavalry formations, representing a multi-force coordinated military array. The pit features a richer variety of terracotta figures, such as cavalry figures, crossbowmen figures, and chariot driver figures, vividly illustrating the complex tactical systems and combat capabilities of the Qin Army.
Terra-cotta Warriors Pit 3
Pit 3 covers an area of 524 square meters and is shaped like an inverted "concave" character, consisting of north and south side chambers and a chariot-and-horse room. It is speculated to be the military command center (headquarters). A total of 68 terracotta figures have been unearthed from the pit, mostly officer figures, along with a four-horse chariot, demonstrating the structure of the military command system in the Qin Dynasty.
Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall
The hall displays precious relics unearthed from the Terra-cotta Warriors Pits, such as senior military officer figures (general figures), saddle cavalry figures, bronze swords, and crossbow mechanisms. Among them, the bronze swords remain sharp after thousands of years, reflecting the advanced metallurgical technology of the Qin Dynasty. The painted bronze chariots and horses from the Qin Mausoleum, known as the "Crown of Bronzes," are the largest, most complex in structure, and most completely harnessed ancient chariots ever discovered in China, holding extremely high historical and artistic value.
Food
Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)
A classic Shaanxi snack, widely available in restaurants around the museum. It consists of braised pork stuffed in a crispy Baiji bun, with tender meat that is neither greasy nor dry, paired with green peppers and coriander for a rich flavor—an ideal choice for visitors to replenish energy.
Liangpi (Cold Noodle)
A local cold dish made from wheat or rice, served with bean sprouts and cucumber shreds, dressed with chili oil, vinegar, and garlic paste. It is sour, spicy, and refreshing, especially suitable for summer.
Yangrou Paomo (Stewed Mutton with Bread)
A traditional Shaanxi dish made by stewing broken pieces of dead-flour bread in mutton soup with tender mutton. The rich broth, chewy bread, and tender meat can be paired with sweet garlic to relieve greasiness, offering a must-try experience of Shaanxi food culture.
Youpo Mian (Oil-Splashed Noodles)
Wide noodles are boiled and topped with scallions, chili powder, and hot oil to release fragrance, then seasoned with soy sauce and vinegar. The chewy noodles and spicy flavor make it a representative Shaanxi noodle dish.
Tickets
Peak season (March 1 – November 30): 120 RMB per person;
Off-season (December 1 – February 28): 100 RMB per person.
Free admission for seniors aged 65+, people with disabilities, and active-duty military personnel (with valid IDs); free for minors under 16 (accompanied by an adult); 50% discount for full-time undergraduate students and below (with student ID) (not applicable to graduate students and above).
Opening Hours
Peak season (March 16 – November 15): 8:30 – 18:00 (last entry at 16:30);
Off-season (November 16 – March 15): 8:30 – 17:30 (last entry at 16:00).
Closed on Chinese New Year's Eve; open on other public holidays as scheduled (subject to official announcements).
Tour Routes
Recommended route: Scenic entrance → Bronze Chariot Museum (Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall) → Terra-cotta Warriors Pit 1 → Terra-cotta Warriors Pit 3 → Terra-cotta Warriors Pit 2 → Panoramic Film Hall (optional) → Exit.
This route allows visiting from primary to secondary attractions: start with the exhibition hall to understand background knowledge, then visit each pit in sequence, and finally experience the immersive Qin Dynasty historical scenes via panoramic film (separate ticket required).
Transportation
- Bus: Take Xi'an Bus No. 914, 915, or You 5 (306) and get off at "Terra-cotta Warriors" stop.
- Metro: Take Metro Line 9 to "Huaqing Pool" station, then transfer to a bus or taxi (about 15 minutes' drive).
- Self-driving: From downtown Xi'an, take the Lianhuo Expressway (G30) eastbound, exit at "Terra-cotta Warriors," and follow the signs to the museum (parking lot available).
Must-See Attractions
- Terra-cotta Warriors Pit 1: The largest military formation site, offering a direct sense of the Qin Army's "thousands of troops" momentum.
- Terra-cotta Warriors Pit 2: A mixed multi-force formation reflecting the complexity and advancement of Qin military tactics.
- Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall: Up-close viewing of precious relics like bronze swords and chariots, showcasing Qin Dynasty technological and artistic achievements.
Tour Tips
- Book tickets in advance via the official website or platform to avoid peak-season queues.
- Hire a professional guide (or rent an audio guide) to deeply understand the historical background and cultural connotations (guide fee: approx. 100 RMB per group).
- Apply sunscreen and prevent heatstroke in summer; keep warm in winter. Wear comfortable sneakers as there is much walking.
- Allow 3–4 hours for the visit to fully explore all attractions and exhibition halls.
Notes
- No smoking, touching relics, or crossing guardrails. Protect cultural heritage.
- No flash photography to avoid damaging the terracotta figures' painted surfaces.
- Follow staff guidance, avoid crowding in narrow areas, and pay attention to safety.
- Beware of unofficial "guides" around the area; use official channels for guiding services.
- Keep personal belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.