Terracotta Army
Museum Massive clay warrior sculptures buried with China’s first emperor
Near Xi’an, the Terracotta Army comprises thousands of life‑sized clay warriors and horses buried with the First Emperor; visitors view excavated pits, workshops and the site’s preservation laboratories.
The Terracotta Army is a large funerary sculpture complex near Xi’an in Shaanxi province, created to accompany Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, in the afterlife. The site is famed for its thousands of life-sized terracotta figures arranged in military formations.
Archaeologists have exposed three principal pits and numerous associated finds; the figures include infantry, cavalry, chariots, and officers, each with individualized features. Estimates of the total figures at the site run into the thousands, with Pit 1 alone containing several thousand warriors and horses.
The complex was constructed in the late 3rd century BCE as part of the emperor’s burial ensemble and was first uncovered by local farmers in 1974, initiating large-scale archaeological excavation and conservation. The site remains an active archaeological area with ongoing study and museum displays.
The Terracotta Army lies about 35 kilometers east of Xi’an city and is part of the larger mausoleum area dedicated to Qin Shi Huang.
- Discovery and scale: The site was discovered in 1974 and contains three main archaeological pits; combined figures at the site number in the thousands and are life-sized and individually detailed.
- Dating and context: The Terracotta Army is part of the larger mausoleum complex of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor, and dates to roughly 246 to 208 BCE during the Qin dynasty.
What to See #
- Pit 1: Pit 1 is the largest excavated burial pit and contains thousands of life-sized terracotta infantry and chariots arranged in battle formation.
- Pit 2: Pit 2 contains a mix of infantry, cavalry, and chariot figures arranged in complex formations and is notable for its depth and density of figures.
- Pit 3: Pit 3 is smaller and believed to contain command-level figures and artisans' work areas, with a different layout and fewer warriors.
How to Get to Terracotta Army #
The Terracotta Army is in the Lintong District east of Xi’an, about 35-40 km from Xi’an’s city center. It’s typically reached by car or tourist coach in roughly 45-60 minutes; regular tour buses, taxis and private transfers run from Xi’an’s railway stations and city hotels. There is also local public-bus and chartered coach service serving the museum complex for visitors from Xi’an.
Tips for Visiting Terracotta Army #
- Arrive at opening and head straight to Pit 1 before the bulk of tour groups arrive - Pit 1 is the biggest and busiest, and early access gives better viewing and photos.
- Don't skip the smaller Pit 3 and the on-site museum galleries - Pit 3 is much quieter and the museum displays (including chariot finds and excavation context) add important context many visitors miss.
- If possible, pair your visit with a guided explanation or an audio guide at the site; the sheer scale and numbering of figures is easier to understand with a short expert orientation.
Best Time to Visit Terracotta Army #
Aim for spring or autumn (April-May or September-October) for the most comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Terracotta Army #
Terracotta Army's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (628 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and partly cloudy skies.
