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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Terracotta Army Summary
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China – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary. |
| Chinese New Year (January/February) |
Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations |
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| National Day (1 October) |
National holiday with parades and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | DiDi, Uber |
| Other: | China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
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The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Terracotta Army, China
Golden Week (1 to 7 October) is extremely crowded, long queues and sold-out tickets
Book tickets online in advance, daily visitor numbers are capped and passport is required
Don't miss
- 🏺 Explore the massive underground army chambers
- 📸 Photograph the life‑sized terracotta soldiers up close
- 🗺️ Attend a guided tour in the museum's exhibition hall
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! The Terracotta Army museum in Xi’an presents a remarkable collection of ancient sculptures. Thousands of life-sized figures were created to accompany the first emperor of China into the afterlife. Each statue has unique facial features and clothing details that show advanced craftsmanship from over two thousand years ago.
Visitors walk through several large pits where rows of soldiers stand in organized ranks. The site also includes chariots, horses and weapons made from bronze and other materials. These artifacts reveal how military organization and artistry were combined during the Qin dynasty. The museum provides clear information about excavation history and ongoing research.
Guides explain the significance of each section without exaggeration. You can see original pieces alongside replicas that help illustrate how the army once looked in bright colors. Small displays describe how archaeologists uncovered the site and what challenges they faced during restoration work. The experience feels educational rather than overly dramatic, focusing on facts about daily life and burial customs.
Nearby attractions include other museums and historic neighborhoods where traditional markets still operate. Public transport connects the city center to the museum with affordable tickets. Entry fees are reasonable for international visitors and timed slots help manage crowds during peak seasons. The site encourages respectful behavior through posted signs that remind guests not to touch artifacts.
Knowledge before you go
- Arrive early; crowds peak after lunch and during weekends.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the site spans over 30 acres with uneven terrain.
- Purchase a combined ticket for the museum and the three excavation sites to save time and money.
- The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by local farmers; the site is still being excavated, so some areas may be temporarily closed.
How to travel to Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army Museum in Xi’an, China, is accessible via Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of the city center. Travelers can reach the museum by taxi, private car or public bus from the airport; the most direct route takes about 50 minutes. High-speed rail services connect Xi’an Railway Station to nearby cities, with transfers available to local transport for final leg access. The museum is situated near the Lintong District, a key historical area in Xi’an. Visitors may also opt for guided tours or ride‑hailing apps for convenience. Proximity to major highways ensures efficient road travel during favorable weather conditions.
Access summary
- From Xi’an Cao'an Airport (XIY): Taxi to city center 30–45 min; bus 20–25 min.
- From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport: Train to Xi’an 4–5 h; from Beijing Capital Airport: High‑speed train 6–7 h.
- By overnight sleeper train from Lanzhou, 12–13 h, popular for budget travelers.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Terracotta Army
Close to the Terracotta Army site, visitors find a mix of boutique guesthouses and mid‑range hotels that cater to history enthusiasts. Traditional courtyard inns offer authentic Chinese décor and local cuisine, while newer serviced apartments provide modern amenities such as Wi‑Fi, fitness centers and on‑site dining. Prices vary from CN¥300 – 600 (£33.58 – 67.16) per night for budget rooms to CN¥1,200 – 2,000 (£134.32 – 223.86) for premium suites with panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Many accommodations feature tea‑service lounges and cultural workshops, reflecting Xi’an’s reputation as a hub for heritage tourism. The area is also known for its “heritage hotels,” which blend historic architecture with contemporary comforts, making them popular among travelers seeking an immersive experience.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
MEHOOD Hotel Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Huaqing Palace
XianshengqinInn （Terracotta Warriors)
Qin'an Hotel
Xi'an Xiangyue Lanting Hotel (Lintong Branch)
Qinjing Hotel (Xi'an Terracotta Warriors and Horses Scenic Area)
Xi'an Sanqin Renjia Hotel (Terracotta Warriors Scenic Area Branch)
Youduo Guesthouse
The HanTing Hotel (Xi'an Lintong Terracotta Warriors Branch)
Emperor's Triumph Inn (Ying ju)
Xi'an Yushan Homestay Hotel (Terracotta Warriors Branch)
Packing recommendations for Terracotta Army
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
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Camera
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Sun cream
SPF 30+
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Reusable water bottle
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Light jacket
Evenings can be cool, especially in spring and autumn.
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Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
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Light jumper
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Guidebook with offline map
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Power bank
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Basic first aid kit
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Sun hat
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Travel journal
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Travel eSIM
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Universal travel adaptor
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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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Daily expenses in the region are around 81% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CNY) is 1% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Terracotta Army museum in Xi’an is generally safe for visitors. Crime rates are low and staff maintain strict security protocols. Tourists should stay vigilant with personal belongings, follow local guidelines and avoid unlicensed guides to ensure a secure experience.
Accessibility
The Terracotta Army in Xi’an offers accessible entrances and elevators, but many underground galleries remain steep and uneven. Wheelchairs can navigate main halls, yet narrow corridors and limited signage may challenge mobility‑impairment visitors. Advance planning and assistance are advisable.
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