How to Buy Terracotta Warriors Tickets (Step-by-Step, No Stress)

Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: July 27 , 2026

I still remember standing just outside the entrance in Xi’an, watching people scroll through booking apps, unsure if they had the right ticket—or any ticket at all. That’s exactly why knowing how to buy Terracotta Warriors tickets matters more than you’d expect. It’s not difficult, but in the moment, it can feel confusing.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through four simple ways to buy your ticket, along with what actually works on the ground—so you can arrive confident and focus on the experience, not the logistics.

1. What You’re Really Visiting at the Terracotta Warriors

Walking into the main excavation hall, what stays with you isn’t just the scale—it’s the stillness. Rows of life-sized soldiers stand in formation, each face slightly different, as if paused mid-march for over 2,000 years. The site itself is larger than most expect, with multiple pits, exhibition halls, and a museum displaying weapons and restored artifacts.

Because of that scale—and the steady crowds—it’s worth understanding how to buy Terracotta Warriors tickets before you go. On-site tickets do exist, but they’re not always the easiest option. I’ll walk you through what actually works, so you can arrive prepared and move through the site without unnecessary delays.

2. How to Buy Terracotta Warriors Tickets

Booking tickets for the Terracotta Army in Xi’an is simple, with four main methods to choose from: the official website, trip.com, WeChat and ons-site purchase.

1) Book via the Official Website

The Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Warriors ) has an official website for online ticket booking. Here’s how you can book through the website.

Access the Official Website ( not very easy for English Users ): Open the official museum website on your mobile device or computer. Select Tickets: Go to the ticket page. 

Kinder Reminder: the official booking system of Terracotta Army is actually connected to Trip.com.

2) OTA Platforms (Easiest for English users)

Viator.com (Easy and Secure!)

Booking tickets online in China can be tricky—especially without a Chinese bank card or language skills. The OTA Platforms, such as Trip.com, Viator, Klook and getyourguide takes the hassle out of the process easier for English users.

👉 Book your Terracotta Army Admission Ticket via Viator (Easy for English speakers )

3) Book via WeChat Official Account

WeChat, China’s leading social media app, also offers a convenient way to reserve Terracotta Warriors tickets. Here’s how:

Follow the Official Account: Search for the “Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum” or “Terracotta Warriors Ticketing Online” WeChat account. Choose Reservation Services: Look for the “Reservation Services” option in the menu. Select your visit date and enter personal information like your name and ID number.

Confirm Reservation: After verifying your information, submit your reservation. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a digital ticket.WeChat is widely used in China, making this option highly practical if you’re traveling within the country. Many tourists find it convenient for its straightforward interface.

4) Buying Tickets On-Site

You can buy same-day tickets at the station. Just head to the manual counter or use the self-service machines. Don’t forget to bring your passport—you’ll need it to book.

However, there’s one thing to keep in mind.

⚠️ If the site hits its daily visitor limit, on-site tickets may stop selling—especially during holidays or weekends.

So, while buying in person is possible, we strongly recommend booking online. It’s faster, easier, and gives you peace of mind. Travel light. Skip the line. Reserve ahead when you can!

3. Terracotta Warriors Ticket Prices

Before booking your Terracotta Warriors tickets, there’s something useful to know. One admission ticket covers two major sites, not just the famous Terracotta Army Museum.

Your ticket includes:

1. Terracotta Army Museum (秦始皇兵马俑博物馆) – Explore the three excavation pits filled with life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and archaeological discoveries.
2. Lishan Garden (丽山园) – Officially known as Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Park (秦始皇帝陵遗址公园), this site includes the emperor’s burial mound, archaeological remains, and the Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum (秦始皇帝陵铜车马博物馆).

A free shuttle bus connects the two sites. Your ticket is valid for both locations on the same day.

Standard Ticket Prices

Ticket Type	Price	What It Covers
Full-price Adult Ticket	120 RMB	Both sites, including the Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum
Half-price Ticket	60 RMB	Both sites, for eligible visitors
Free Admission	0 RMB	Both sites, for eligible visitors with the required documents

The standard admission price remains the same during peak and off-peak seasons.

Discounted and Free Tickets

1. Foreign Seniors Aged 65 and Above

Foreign visitors aged 65 and above are generally not eligible for the senior free-admission policy. The museum’s published senior concession applies to Chinese nationals.

Foreign seniors should therefore budget 120 RMB per person for a standard adult ticket.

2. Foreign Children 1.4 Metres Tall or Shorter

Foreign children measuring 1.4 metres or less qualify for free admission when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Bring the child’s passport or other accepted identification, and arrange the required free admission reservation before your visit.

3. Foreign Children Over 1.4 Metres Tall

Foreign children over 1.4 metres tall who are 16 years old or younger may qualify for a 60 RMB half-price ticket.

Check the applicable age and identification requirements when booking. Bring the child’s passport to verify eligibility.

4. Students

Eligible full-time students may receive a half-price ticket of 60 RMB.

The museum’s published student discount mainly covers students in qualifying undergraduate programmes or below. Foreign students should check whether their student documents are accepted before relying on this discount.

A Few Practical Ticketing Tips

• Book ahead. The museum uses a real-name reservation system, including for visitors who qualify for free admission.
• Bring your original passport. The identification used for booking should match the document presented at entry.
• Don’t assume free admission means no reservation. Eligible visitors should arrange their free tickets through an accepted official channel.
• Check discounted tickets before arrival. Some concession categories may require additional verification or assistance from ticketing staff.
• Keep your ticket details available. You will need them when entering the two sites on the same day.

Ruqin’s Practical Tip: If you want to see the famous bronze chariots and horses, don’t leave after visiting the Terracotta Army pits. Take the free shuttle to Lishan Garden. The Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum is located there, and your original admission ticket already covers the visit.

4. When to Visit the Terracotta Warriors (Hours That Actually Matter)

The official hours usually run from around 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry about an hour before closing. On paper, that sounds straightforward—but in reality, timing makes a big difference.

I’ve found that arriving earlier in the day feels noticeably calmer, especially before tour groups fully roll in. During holidays or peak travel periods, hours can shift slightly, so it’s always worth checking the official site or WeChat the night before. It’s a small step, but it can save you from showing up to unexpected crowds—or worse, a closed gate.

5. What You Actually Need to Enter (Don’t Get Stuck at the Gate)

At the entrance, everything revolves around your passport. Staff will scan it to match your reservation, so this is where how to buy Terracotta Warriors tickets really matters—you’re not just buying a ticket, you’re securing entry tied to your ID.

I’ve seen people turned away simply because they didn’t complete a booking in advance. Same-day tickets are often not available, especially during busy periods. So before you even think about heading out, make sure your reservation is confirmed and your passport is with you—it’s your real ticket in.

6. Practical Questions I Hear All the Time

When should you book?
Tickets usually open about 7 days ahead. In busy months (April to October), I’d book earlier if your dates are fixed—this place fills up faster than people expect.

Can you buy tickets on-site?
Yes, but I’ve seen lines stretch longer than the security queue. It works in quieter periods, but during peak season, it’s risky.

Do you need a paper ticket?
Not really. Your passport acts as your ticket. Still, if you like a physical keepsake, you can print one at the machines near the entrance.

What ID should you bring?
Always the same passport you used to book—checks are consistent throughout the site.

Should you book a tour?
If you prefer less friction, a guided tour can simplify everything—tickets, transport, and context once you’re inside.

What if tickets sell out?
It happens. When capacity is reached, even on-site tickets stop. You can still walk parts of the area, but the main pits may be off-limits.

How much time do you need?
Most people spend 2–3 hours here. If you explore more of the surrounding area, give yourself closer to half a day.

---

Once you’ve figured out how to buy Terracotta Warriors tickets, everything else starts to feel easier. You’re not second-guessing your booking or worrying at the entrance—you can just walk in and take it in properly. If you’re planning more around the city, it’s worth looking into how other major Xi’an attractions handle tickets too.

Before heading out, take a quick look at the latest opening hours and entry details. Then go—unrushed, prepared, and present. This isn’t just another stop; it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

About the Author

 Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.

Further Reading

How to Visit the Terracotta Warriors: Tickets, Map, Highlights & Tips
Where to Stay in Xi’an: Areas, Hotels, Maps and Attractions
How to Use the Xi’an Subway: A Guide for First-Time Travelers
What to Buy in Xi’an: Best Gifts from Xi’an
Bell & Drum Towers, Xi’an: What to See, Tickets & Travel Tips
How to Visit Shaanxi History Museum – A Complete Guide
How to Visit Huaqing Pool in Xi’an: Map, Tickets, Show and Tips
How to Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an: A Complete Guide
How to Visit Xi’an City Wall: Map, Tickets, South Gate & Travel Tips
How to Visit Muslim Quarter Xi’an: Map, Top Foods and Travel Tips
How to Visit Great Mosque of Xi’an: Map, Hours, Tour & Travel Tips