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Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors—Qin Shi Huang's Subterranean Empire
Published: November 26, 2025
Editor: Qingyu

Located at the northern foot of Mount Li, about 3.5 kilometers east of Lintong District in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is the burial site of Ying Zheng, the first emperor to unite China under a centralized feudal system. Extensive archaeological work has uncovered a wealth of valuable artifacts, notably the Terracotta Army. The Terracotta Army Pits, discovered in 1974 and located to the east of the main mausoleum, are massive burial pits containing "mingqi" (funerary objects) modeled as chariots, warhorses, and soldiers.

Emperor Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum consists of the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Army Museum and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Archaeological Site Park (Lishan Garden). Each site takes about 1.5 hours to visit, and a free shuttle service is available between the two.

Visitor Guide Map

Recommended Tours

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum site Museum Tour Guide Line Customization

One-hour Tour:

Pit 1→ Bronze Chariots Exhibition Hall

Two-hour Tour:

Pit 1→ Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Bronze Chariots Exhibition Hall

Selections

The Kneeling Archer

Discovered in Pit 2 of the Terracotta Army, this terracotta figure dates back to the Qin Dynasty and measures 128 centimeters in height. The kneeling archer is depicted in armor over a tunic, with a topknot situated on the right side of his head. Poised for action, his left leg is crouched, his right knee rests on the ground, and his hands are positioned on the right side of his body as if gripping a crossbow. This figure vividly captures a combat stance of the Qin army.

Bronze Yuefu Bell

A bronze artifact from the Qin Dynasty, the Bronze Yuefu Bell measures 13.3 cm high. It confirms the existence of the "Yuefu" (Imperial Music Bureau) institution during that era. The bell produces a clear, melodious tone, accurately pitched in C major. The "Yuefu" was the official government agency tasked with overseeing music affairs throughout the Qin empire.

Qin Bronze Pi

Made of bronze, this artifact is 35.3 cm in total length, with a 24 cm blade section. The design of the "Pi" is similar to a short sword, but its function mirrored that of a spear: a polearm used for thrusting. Crucially, the "Pi" was generally longer and keener than a standard spear, offering greater penetration capability.

Location & Transportation

Opening Hours

low season - peak seasonStart checking ticketsstop checking tickets

low season

(November 16 to March 15 of the  following year)

8:3016:30
Peak season

(March 16–November 15)

8:3017:30

Ticketing Information

Admission Fee: ¥120

Note:All visitors must make a reservation in advance on the official ticketing website.

Ticket Purchase Methods:The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum implements a real-name online ticket reservation system. All visitors (including visitors from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign visitors, as well as those eligible for free admission under policy) must reserve and purchase tickets in advance through the official website, the official WeChat public account "QinShi Huang Mausoleum Museum," or "Terracotta Warriors Ticket Online."