The 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors are a sight to behold. The army of at least 7,000 soldiers, each with unique facial expressions and poised for battle, are part of a massive mausoleum to Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. One of modern history’s most magnificent archaeological sites, the Terracotta Warriors is a short drive from downtown Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province.
Most travelers add a visit to Xi’an in northwest China to their China travel itineraries just to see the Terracotta Warriors; however, visitors should consider adding an additional day or two to walk or bike along the 8.7-mile (14 km) city wall and explore local sights like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
Most multi-city tours of China include a stop in Xi'an like the 8-Day China Golden Triangle Tour, 11-Day China's Highlights Tour, 12-Day Highlights from Shanghai to Beijing Tour, and 13-Day Best of China Tour.
While there are several tourist bus routes and taxis that can take you from downtown Xi’an to the Terracotta Warriors, which are 25 miles (40 km) northeast of the city, it's best to book a day tour or hire a driver and guide so you can go at your own pace.
Expect a full-day adventure, from early morning to late afternoon/early evening, but it is possible to visit the Terracotta Warriors in half a day if you are pressed for time. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the walk from the parking lot is just over half a mile (1 km) from the entrance. There is a tram from the parking lot to the entrance, but often there is a long queue.
From Xi’an
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
It is possible to take tourist buses from the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station or from Tang Paradise West Gate and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to the Terracotta Warriors, but for a stress-free and quicker route that doesn't include testing your Chinese skills, hire a private driver for the day to take you to the Terracotta Warriors.
From Beijing
Duration: 2 hours by plane (+ 55 minutes by private transfer); 5-16 hours by train (+ 47 minutes by private transfer)
To get to the Terracotta Warriors from Beijing, travelers must first travel 661 miles (1,065 km) to Xi'an. The high-speed train is the most efficient option between Beijing and Xi'an even though the travel time is twice or three times as long as air travel. More than a dozen high-speed trains depart daily from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi'an North Railway Station.
If you're looking to travel on the fastest high-speed trains, book the "G" category trains. The overnight trains are the budget option, saving travelers the expense of a hotel night. Booking a soft sleeper (there are four beds in each cabin) is more comfortable and secure as there is a door that locks.
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From Hong Kong
Duration: 3 hours by plane (+ 55 minutes by private transfer); 10 to 12 hours by train (+ 47 minutes by private transfer)
A tourist visa may be required to travel from the former British colony of Hong Kong to China, which has separate immigration and customs procedures from Hong Kong. Depending on your country of citizenship and your itinerary, you may be eligible to travel in China for up to 72 hours without a visa via China's 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption or for up to six days without a visa via the 144-hour Travel Visa Exemption.
The most direct and convenient way to get from Hong Kong to Xi'an is to fly. There are more than a dozen daily flights from Hong Kong International Airport to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport although some intrepid travelers consider traveling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and then flying from Shenzhen Boa'an International Airport to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. The 888-mile (1,430 km) flight takes three hours. Flying between the two cities is a breeze, particularly because most major airlines allow passengers to check-in 90-minutes to one full day before their flights locally in-town at Hong Kong MRT Station and Kowloon MTR Station.
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From Shanghai
Duration: 2.5 hours by plane (+ 55 minutes by private transfer); 6 to 11 hours by train (+ 47 minutes by private transfer)
The high-speed train is the most efficient option to make the 844 miles (1,359 km) between Shanghai and Xi'an even though the travel time is more than twice as long as air travel. Nine or more high-speed trains operate between Shanghai Hongqiao Station and Xi'an North Railway Station daily.
If you're looking to travel on the fastest high-speed trains, book the "G" category trains. The overnight trains are the budget option, saving travelers the expense of a hotel night. Booking a soft sleeper (there are four beds in each cabin) is more comfortable and secure as there is a door that locks.
Learn more about traveling from Shanghai to the Terracotta Warriors