Visiting the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and its famous Terracotta Army can be overwhelming due to large crowds, especially during peak times. However, this 5-hour itinerary offers a smart alternative by taking the reverse route. Starting with a visit to Lishan Garden in the morning to avoid the midday rush, and then heading to the Terracotta Army in the early afternoon, you’ll be able to experience both sites at a more relaxed pace, bypassing the busiest hours. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the most of your time at these historic sites, including tips on transport, sightseeing, and souvenirs.
1. Getting to Lishan Garden
- Depart from Zhonglou Metro Station (钟楼地铁站) at 10:00 AM (earlier departure at 9:00 AM is even better).
- Arrive at Qinling West Station (秦陵西站) around 11:00 AM. After exiting through Gate A, take a short 10 yuan taxi ride to the Lishan Garden Visitor Center (丽山园游客中心).
- Tip: It’s not recommended to take the bus for groups of two or more, as it costs 5 yuan per person, and there are often sales pitches for unofficial guides that can lead to unnecessary spending.
2. Visiting Lishan Garden
- Upon entering the garden, purchase a shuttle bus ticket for 15 yuan per person. Without it, you’d have to walk for several kilometers, and there are no opportunities to buy tickets along the route.
- The shuttle bus stops at three locations within the garden. The first two stops showcase the high-interest burial pits, where you can get off to explore. After visiting, you can board the bus again with your ticket.
- The last stop is the Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb (currently not fully developed, so it’s optional to skip this stop).
- Once you exit Lishan Garden, take a free shuttle bus directly to the Terracotta Army Museum.
3. Visiting Terracotta Army
- After leaving Lishan Garden, you should reach the Terracotta Army around 1:00 PM. By this time, most of the morning visitors have left, and the afternoon crowd has not yet arrived, allowing you to avoid the peak times. This offers a chance to explore the pits without the usual hustle, allowing you to get up close and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
- It’s recommended to hire a guide for a more immersive experience, as simply wandering around without context may not be as rewarding.
- The official guide services are located at the left of Pit No. 1 entrance, where they only accept cash payments. Be aware that it can be difficult to book a guide during busy times. Alternatively, you can opt for a guide service near the second security checkpoint, which costs 90 yuan for 1-5 people. You’ll also need to pay an additional 8 yuan per person for the headphones.
- After exploring the three pits, you’ll have spent approximately an hour, finishing around 3:00 PM. If you prefer a slower pace, make sure to inform your guide ahead of time.
4. Stamps and Souvenirs
- After visiting Pit No. 2, there’s an official cultural and creative shop on the left, where you can get a free stamp (though the ink may not be of high quality). If you make a purchase, you can get a regular stamp. Special items come with their own unique stamps (honestly, the quality is quite average).
- A short walk from the exit leads to the “Terracotta Army Themed Post Office (兵马俑主题邮局),” where you can get colorful, free stamps. The store also offers two themed postmarks.
- Tip: Before visiting, consider purchasing a set of five Terracotta Army postcards (only 5.5 yuan per set) from the Zhonglou Post Office (钟楼邮政支局). It’s a much more affordable and visually appealing option than buying postcards inside the scenic area (which are 5 yuan each).
5. Returning to the City
- After your visit, if you don’t want to walk the 1.5 kilometers along the commercial street to exit, simply turn right and walk straight until you see a sign for “Qinwei Ji Ke Farmhouse Meal (秦味吉客农家饭).” From there, you can easily hail a taxi.
- This route is much quicker and more efficient, taking only about five minutes, compared to walking through the crowded commercial area.
- For a more comfortable ride back to the city, it’s recommended to tell the driver to drop you off at the metro station, Dong San Cha (东三岔), before Huaqingchi (华清池). This will allow you to board the subway with a seat, avoiding the rush.