Visiting the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, home to the Terracotta Army, is an incredible experience that requires a bit of planning to make the most of your time and avoid unnecessary costs. This guide offers essential tips on how to navigate the site, what to avoid, and how to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. From transportation advice to ticketing and best visiting times, here’s everything you need to know for a seamless journey to one of China’s greatest archaeological wonders.
1. Convenient Transportation by Metro: The easiest way to get to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is by taking the metro. You can ride Line 6 until the last stop, transfer to Line 9, and continue all the way to Qinling West Station (秦陵西). From there, a short taxi ride to Lishan Garden Visitor Center will cost about 10 RMB. The metro is comfortable and saves you energy for the visit, as it’s almost always less crowded during the journey.
2. Avoid Bus 613: While the 613 bus is cheap (5 RMB), it’s not the best option. A well-meaning ticket seller may approach you, giving a brief introduction to the area and encouraging you to buy a tour guide for 38 RMB. However, this is not an official tour guide for the Terracotta Army—it’s a third-party vendor who takes you to a location where you’ll be encouraged to pay for additional services. Stick to official options to avoid unnecessary costs.
3. Be Cautious About Non-Official Guides: Only the guides inside the museum are official. Any guide you encounter before you reach the entrance to Pit 1 is not part of the museum’s official staff. Make sure you find the correct official guide inside the museum for an authentic and informative experience.
4. Skip the Shuttle to Pit 1: Once inside the museum, there’s a shuttle bus to take you directly to Pit 1 for 5 RMB per person. However, it’s only a 5-minute walk, and the shuttle ride only takes 2 minutes. Walking is just as fast and saves you the small fee, so it’s better to skip the shuttle unless you have mobility issues.
5. Ticketing and Time Management: Your ticket to the Terracotta Army also includes entry to Lishan Garden, but it’s important to manage your time carefully. Make sure to visit Lishan Garden earlier in the day, as both the Terracotta Army and Lishan Garden close by 5 PM. If you arrive at the Terracotta Army around 3 PM or later, you won’t have time to visit Lishan Garden. Plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss it.
6. Lishan Garden Shuttle: If you’re visiting Lishan Garden, don’t skip the shuttle bus, which costs 15 RMB per person. The garden is vast, and walking could leave you exhausted. The shuttle ride will take around 1 hour, and after finishing at Lishan, you can catch a free shuttle bus directly back to the Terracotta Army.
7. Lunch Recommendations: After visiting Lishan Garden, it’s a great idea to grab lunch before heading back to the Terracotta Army. We highly recommend Wei Jia Liangpi (魏家凉皮), a local specialty that is cheap, delicious, and clean. The area around the Terracotta Army is filled with various chain drink shops, perfect for taking a break and resting your feet.
8. Visit in the Afternoon for Fewer Crowds: If possible, plan to visit the Terracotta Army in the afternoon. By 3 PM, the morning crowd will have thinned out, and you’ll have a better chance of viewing the pits without the hassle of large crowds. You’ll be able to get closer to the figures and appreciate the details without feeling rushed or crowded.
9. Hire a Guide for a Better Experience: While Pit 1 offers the most impressive displays, Pits 2 and 3 are not as captivating without proper context. A guide will make the experience far more engaging, explaining the historical significance of the soldiers and the architecture of the pits. Without a guide, you might just walk around the pits with little understanding of what you’re seeing.
10. Avoid Buying Lantian Jade at the Museum: After finishing the tour of the pits, some guides will take you upstairs to view and purchase Lantian Jade (蓝田玉). It’s overpriced and of poor quality, so it’s best to skip buying souvenirs at this point. Focus on enjoying the historical artifacts rather than buying expensive and low-quality items.