A Guide To Visiting The Terracotta Army

History of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army goes as far back as 2,200 years. They were originally designed to protect the emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. The construction started during the Qin Dynasty in 246 BC, and these human-like figures took the workers about 40 years to complete.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang established the Qin Dynasty when he was 38 years old. As soon as the emperor took the throne, he ordered the construction of his tomb. He died during his fourth tour of Eastern China, and the tomb wasn’t ready until years after his death.

The Terracotta Army was so well made it survived natural disasters and wars. The army was recorded during the Han Dynasty and was left untouched until the early 1970s, when it was accidentally discovered by farmers. It has a total of 2,000 stations. The site was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987, and it was opened to visitors in 1989.

Where is it located?

The Terracotta Army is located in the surrounding area of the new Tier 1 city of Xi'an in Shaanxi Province. This city had an important role in the history of China. It was once an imperial capital and used as a center for trade throughout several dynasties. It was also one of the stops on the Silk Road. Xi'an was mentioned in the writings of explorer Marco Polo, in which he described it as a thriving trade center.

In the mid-1950s, Xi’an was considered China’s major industrialized city, with many manufacturing plants creating products we see all over the world, such as machinery, textiles, and electronics. Xi'an is also known for its farming; they produce cotton, wheat, and tea.

Today, Xi'an is a major tourist attraction, housing many monuments and structures. Notable attractions include the big and little Wild Goose Pagodas, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Great Mosque, and the Old City Wall. If you are planning to visit Xi'an, be sure to check out these places as well.

How to get there

There are a few ways you can get to The Terracotta Army. It is not located directly in Xi'an. Rather, it is in the Lintong District, on the outskirts of the city. For those who want to travel there and are staying in Xi'an, the best way to get there is by bus and metro, depending on where are staying.

There are many routes you can take to get to The Terracotta Army. You have a choice of taking a city bus (Lintong Bus 602) or a tour bus (No. 5 (306)).

Metro+ City Bus to Terracotta Army Museum

1. Metro Line 1 + Metro Line 9 + Lintong Bus 602
2. City Bus 42 + Tourist Bus Line 5 (306)
3. Metro Line 2 + Metro Line 1 + Metro Line 9 + Lintong Bus 602

Xi'an Downtown to the Terracotta Army

1. Metro Line 1 + Line 9 + Lintong Bus 602
2. Bus 306 to Terracotta Warriors from Fangzhicheng Bus Station
• 7am – 7pm from Fangzhicheng Bus Station
• 8:15am – 7pm return from Terracotta Army
• Travel Time: About 1.5 hours
• Ticket Fare: 5 CNY (0.75 USD) per person

3. Bus No. 307: Tang City Wall Zone 9 Bus Station – Terracotta Army
• 6:30am - 6:30pm from Tang City Wall Zone 9 Bus Station
• 7am - 7pm return from Terracotta Army
• Frequency: 18 to 30 minutes
• Travel Time: 1.5 hours
• Ticket Fare: 8 CNY (1.20 USD) per person for a single trip

Visit this ancient wonder

When you visit Xi'an, do not miss your chance to see the Terracotta Army. You will not be disappointed by how detailed and human-like each soldier was created.