Visiting the Terracotta Warriors is often considered a must-do for travelers heading to Xian, China. This ticket booking service, offered by Xi’an China Travel Service, promises an easy, hassle-free way to explore one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. With a price of just $27 per person, it’s a chance to see history’s eighth wonder without breaking the bank.
What makes this experience appealing? First, you can skip the long queues by booking your tickets online in advance. Second, the inclusion of a shuttle bus makes navigating the site much more manageable. Third, the opportunity to watch a special “Beauty of Qin Warriors” show at the nearby theatre adds a cultural touch to the visit. However, be aware that this tour doesn’t include transportation or guided services, so you’ll need to plan your logistics accordingly. Overall, it’s an excellent option for travelers who crave an affordable, straightforward way to access the site and want to avoid the crowds and waiting times.
This tour suits those who value convenience and independence, particularly travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace. If you’re interested in a guided experience, you might want to consider additional services. Still, for a self-managed visit, it offers fantastic value.
- Key Points
- The Experience in Detail
- Booking and Practicalities
- The Itinerary Breakdown
- What’s Included & What’s Not
- Included:
- Not Included:
- Important Considerations:
- Why This Tour Offers Great Value
- Why It’s Perfect for You
- Potential Drawbacks
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
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Key Points

- Convenient Online Booking: Avoid queues and lengthy waits by securing tickets beforehand.
- Inclusion of Shuttle Bus: Seamless transfer between key sites enhances the experience.
- Affordable Price: At $27, the ticket provides good value for access to major attractions.
- Flexible Duration: Spend 3 to 5 hours exploring at your own pace.
- Additional Shows: Enjoy a cultural performance that complements your visit.
- No Guided Service Included: You’ll explore independently, so plan for transportation and guide options if needed.
The Experience in Detail
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Booking and Practicalities
Booking your Terracotta Warriors tickets online through this service is straightforward. The tickets are essential for avoiding the often long lines at the site, especially during peak seasons when the crowds can be overwhelming. Most visitors tend to reserve around 3 weeks in advance—an indicator of its popularity. The process requires your full name, passport number, and phone contact, which ensures smooth entry and security checks.
Once booked, you’ll receive a mobile ticket, allowing you to scan and enter directly. This eliminates the need for physical tickets, making your arrival smoother. Remember, the museum’s opening hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
This is the core of your visit and where you’ll spend most of your time. The three pits—numbered as Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3—are spacious and filled with close to 8,000 terracotta figures and horses. The figures are life-sized, with each one uniquely designed, reflecting different ranks, roles, and expressions.
Travelers often comment on the vivid expressions and realistic details of the statues. “The images are all different, and their expressions are vivid,” one reviewer noted, emphasizing the craftsmanship. The site is a treasure of ancient Chinese sculpture, often called the eighth wonder of the world. The sheer scale of the excavation and the meticulous detail make it an unforgettable experience.
Tip: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens! The detail on the figures is astounding, and you’ll want to capture the craftsmanship.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
A short shuttle bus ride takes you to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. It’s an impressive site, not as crowded as the pits, and offers a different perspective on this ancient ruler’s burial complex. The shuttle service is included, making it convenient, though the site itself generally allows one hour for exploration.
While not as elaborate as the pits, the mausoleum provides context for the warriors’ purpose and the grandeur of Qin Dynasty burial customs.
Qinhuang Grand Theatre: “Beauty of Qin Warriors” Show
After your exploration of the pits, you’ll be directed to the Qinhuang Grand Theatre, about 150 meters away. Here, you can enjoy the “Beauty of Qin Warriors” show—a performance designed to enhance your understanding and appreciation of Qin culture through dance and music.
Many travelers find this performance a lovely way to wind down after walking through the museum. It’s a free addition included in the ticket, and it helps bring the history to life visually and emotionally. As one reviewer mentioned, “You don’t really experience the museum without watching this show.” It’s a cultural highlight that complements the archaeological site.
What’s Included & What’s Not
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Included:
- Entry tickets to the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
- Shuttle bus between the museum and the mausoleum
- Admission to the “Beauty of Qin Warriors” show
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Not Included:
- Transportation to and from the site outside of the shuttle bus
- Guided services—if you want a guide to explain the history, you need to arrange this separately
- Other expenses such as meals, souvenirs, or additional activities
Important Considerations:
- Children require both passport and student ID for discounted tickets
- The site can be crowded during high season, so arriving early helps
- The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation sent immediately upon booking
Why This Tour Offers Great Value
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At $27, this ticket provides a cost-effective way to access the main highlights of the Terracotta Warriors without the hassle of tickets queues or navigating transportation logistics. The shuttle service simplifies the visit, especially for those unfamiliar with local transport options. Plus, the inclusion of the cultural show enriches the overall experience, making it more memorable without additional costs.
While it doesn’t include guided commentary, the ticket’s flexibility allows travelers to spend as much time as they wish at each site, making it ideal for independent explorers who like to set their own pace. Reviews often mention how knowledgeable guides enhance the visit, but even without a guide, the large, detailed displays and signage help self-learners.
Why It’s Perfect for You
If you prefer controlling your schedule, this ticket offers just that—no fixed tour times or guided groups. It suits travelers who want to avoid long queues and enjoy a comprehensive visit at their own speed. The inclusion of the show adds a cultural dimension that many visitors find enriching.
Potential Drawbacks
The main limitation is the lack of guided services. If you’re someone who prefers in-depth narration or historical context, you might want to supplement this ticket with an audio guide or a private tour. Also, during peak season, the site can be crowded, meaning you might need patience and early planning.
Final Thoughts
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For anyone heading to Xian, the Terracotta Warriors tickets booked through this service represent excellent value and convenience. You gain quick access to one of China’s most iconic sites without the stress of long lines, and with the shuttle bus, you won’t have to worry about complicated navigation.
The entire experience is well-rounded with the included cultural performance, which helps bring the history alive. While it doesn’t include guided tours, the flexibility suits independent travelers perfectly. It’s an affordable ticket that maximizes your time and minimizes your hassle.
If you’re looking to see the world-famous Terracotta Warriors with ease, this option offers a smooth, enjoyable, and educational day out. It’s especially ideal for travelers who appreciate the freedom of doing things their way while still enjoying high-quality access to China’s archaeological masterpiece.
FAQ
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Do I need to book the tickets in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 21 days in advance to secure their spot and avoid long queues, especially during busy seasons.
What information do I need to provide when booking?
You’ll need your full name, passport number, and phone number. Children require their passport and student ID for discounts.
Are the tickets mobile?
Yes, the tickets are sent as a mobile ticket, so you can scan directly at the entrance.
Is transportation included?
Transportation within the site, such as the shuttle bus, is included. However, transport to and from the site outside the shuttle is not covered.
What’s the duration of the visit?
Expect to spend between 3 to 5 hours, depending on how long you wish to explore each part of the tour.
Can I watch the show without the tour?
Yes, the “Beauty of Qin Warriors” show is included in the ticket and can be enjoyed as part of your visit.
Are guided services available?
Not through this ticket. You’ll explore independently, but many reviewers find the site easy to navigate with signage and available information.
Is the site suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate, but they need to provide passport and student ID for discounted tickets.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, and a camera are recommended. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak visiting hours.
To sum it up, this ticket booking experience offers a convenient, cost-effective way to explore the marvel of the Terracotta Warriors. It’s perfect for self-sufficient travelers who value flexibility, want to avoid queues, and are excited to access one of the most significant archaeological wonders of the world.
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