Terracotta Warriors Museum

Posted on Views: Word count in article: 2.6k Reading time ≈ 2 mins.

Attraction Introduction

The Terracotta Warriors Museum, a world cultural heritage site, is renowned as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. It exhibits terracotta warriors and other artifacts unearthed from the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, providing a significant venue to understand the historical culture and archaeological discoveries of the Qin Dynasty. The terracotta pits are massive in scale and rigorously laid out, with over 8,000 terracotta figures and horses, more than 100 chariots, and tens of thousands of weapons unearthed from the three pits. Each terracotta figure displays unique facial expressions, hairstyles, and clothing, showcasing the exceptional sculpting skills of Qin Dynasty craftsmen.

The discovery of the terracotta warriors began in 1974 when local farmers accidentally found terracotta fragments while digging a well, leading to a large-scale excavation by archaeologists. Over 40 years of archaeological work has uncovered an area of over 20,000 square meters, yielding over 50,000 artifacts. To protect these precious artifacts, the museum employs advanced conservation techniques, including a constant temperature and humidity system and earthquake-proof measures, ensuring their proper preservation.

The discovery of the terracotta warriors is hailed as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century, providing invaluable material for studying the military, politics, economy, and culture of the Qin Dynasty. The museum also displays exquisite bronze chariots and horses, bronze weapons, and other artifacts, highlighting the advanced metallurgical technology and artistic achievements of the Qin Dynasty. In 1987, the terracotta warriors were inscribed on the World Heritage List, becoming an essential symbol of Chinese culture. Every year, it attracts millions of visitors, including numerous foreign dignitaries and celebrities, further enhancing the international influence of Chinese culture.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Pit 1

    • Main Exhibition Area
    • Infantry Phalanx
    • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes

  2. Pit 2

    • Cavalry Chariots
    • Archers
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  3. Pit 3

    • Command Post
    • Officer Terracotta Figures
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes

  4. Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum

    • Bronze Chariots
    • Artifact Display
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Optimal Touring Route

    • Pit 1 → Pit 2 → Pit 3 → Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum
    • It is recommended to visit in numerical order

  2. Visiting Schedule

    • Fewer people in the morning
    • Avoid noon
    • Good lighting in the afternoon

  3. Practical Tips

    • Hire a guide for explanation
    • Bring a telescope
    • Prepare drinking water

Transportation Guide

  • Train: Take the tourist line from Xi’an North Station
  • Bus: Routes 5, 914, 915
  • Self-drive: Lianba Line or Xilin Expressway
  • Tourist Bus: Available from major hotels
  1. Lintong Crystal Cake
  2. Lamb Soup with Bread
  3. Meat Sandwich
  4. Cold Noodles

Special Reminders

  1. No photography allowed
  2. Keep quiet
  3. Queue orderly
  4. Protect yourself from the sun
  5. Bring cash
  6. It is recommended to hire a guide
  7. Suitable for cultural tours
  8. Book tickets ahead of time.