Live Your Best Lives
Explore the Terracotta Army, visit the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, and learn about the history of China's first emperor. Don't miss the museum that showcases artifacts from the burial site.
The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the burial place of Ying Zheng (259-210 BC), the first emperor in Chinese history, is one of the first batch of World Cultural Heritage, the first batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, and the first batch of National AAAA-level Tourist Attractions. It is located at the northern foot of Mount Li, 5 kilometers east of Lintong District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province.
The plains of Xi'an have a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct seasons: cold, warm, dry, and wet. Winters are cold, windy, foggy, and with little rain or snow; springs are warm, dry, windy, and changeable; summers are hot and rainy, with a prominent summer drought and frequent thunderstorms and strong winds; and autumns are cool, with rapidly falling temperatures and significant rain showers.
In spring or autumn, the temperature is suitable.
Peak season: 150 yuan Off-season: 120 yuan
8:30-17:30
The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang is the burial site of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who unified China. The Terracotta Army, found near the mausoleum, is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history, representing thousands of life-sized warriors and horses that were buried with the emperor to protect him in the afterlife.
The Mausoleum is located in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. It's accessible by taxi from Xi'an city center (about 40 minutes) or by taking Bus 914 from Xi'an Railway Station.
The site is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee is around 120 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official website.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or public holidays. You can book tickets online up to a few days in advance.
A visit typically takes about 3-4 hours to fully explore the Terracotta Army, the mausoleum, and the museum.
The main highlights include the three main pits of the Terracotta Army, the museum with exhibits of ancient artifacts, and the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang itself.
Guided tours in English, Mandarin, and other languages are available. Audio guides are also offered in various languages, including English.
The best photography spots are around the Terracotta Army pits, especially Pit 1, where you can capture the full scale of the soldiers. The view from the museum's upper floor offers a great perspective of the site.
Start with Pit 1 to see the main Terracotta Army, then visit Pit 2 and Pit 3. After exploring the pits, head to the museum to see the exhibits and learn more about the history of the site.
Night visits are not available at the mausoleum, and there are no light shows. However, special tours with expert guides can be arranged during the day.
The site is typically crowded, especially during holidays. Weekdays early in the morning or later in the afternoon are the least crowded times to visit.
The site has basic facilities including toilets, rest areas, food stalls, and a souvenir shop. There are also restaurants nearby where you can enjoy local meals.
The site is accessible for elderly and children, with paved paths and some ramps. However, certain areas might require walking on uneven terrain. Disabled visitors may need assistance in some parts.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. Credit cards are also accepted in some areas.
There are several restaurants and food stalls nearby, offering traditional Shaanxi cuisine, such as Roujiamo (Shaanxi-style burgers) and hand-pulled noodles.
Yes, vegetarian and halal food options are available at nearby restaurants, especially in Xi'an city center where there are many halal eateries.
There are several hotels near the Mausoleum, including the Xi'an Terracotta Army Hotel and other budget and mid-range options within a short taxi ride.
Other nearby attractions include the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Banpo Museum. These can easily be combined in a day trip from the mausoleum.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling replicas of the Terracotta Warriors, local handicrafts, and traditional Chinese items such as tea, silk, and pottery.
Taxis, buses, and tour buses are the best options to continue your trip after visiting the mausoleum. You can also rent a bike for further exploration of Xi'an or the surrounding countryside.
