Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Museum Small Group Tour & Pickup

Summary

Walk among Xi’an’s silent army and old pagodas with a local guide

You’ll ride from your hotel in Xi’an out to see the Terracotta Warriors Museum with an English-speaking guide who brings ancient stories to life. Spend hours wandering among 8,000 silent soldiers before being dropped off by Big Wild Goose Pagoda downtown — with plenty of local advice for exploring further or heading home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the van to be so quiet that early — just the soft hum of traffic as we left central Xi’an. Our guide, Ms. Zhang, texted me the night before to confirm pickup (I appreciated that, since my Mandarin is still hopeless). She greeted us with this gentle “zao an” and handed out bottled water. The drive out to the Terracotta Warriors Museum took about an hour, but it went fast — she told stories about Emperor Qin that made him sound more like someone’s stubborn uncle than a distant legend. I remember the smell of steamed buns from a roadside stall when we stopped at a light. It made me wish I’d skipped breakfast at the hotel.

The first glimpse of those thousands of clay soldiers — honestly, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. They’re just there, row after row, each one different if you look close enough. Ms. Zhang pointed out the tiny details: a chipped ear here, a missing hand there. She even showed us where restorers had pieced some back together (“like ancient jigsaw puzzles,” she said). We wandered through the main pits for nearly three hours, headphones on so we could hear her over the crowds. Sometimes I caught myself just staring at one soldier’s face and forgetting everyone else around me. The air smelled faintly of earth and something old — not musty exactly, but heavy.

Afterwards, our driver dropped us off near Big Wild Goose Pagoda in downtown Xi’an. The square was busy with families and people flying kites — all bright colors against the grey sky. Ms. Zhang gave us tips for getting back to our hotels (she even drew me a little map on my phone). I ended up lingering by the pagoda longer than I planned — something about seeing so much history in one morning makes you want to slow down for a bit before heading back into city noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum

• Pick up from hotel lobby
• Drive 1 hour to Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Explore three burial pits and exhibition hall
• Drive to Big Wild Goose Pagoda square
• Tour ends at Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Top questions

How long does the half-day Terracotta Warriors tour take?

The tour lasts about half a day, including roughly 1 hour each way for transport and around 2.5–3 hours at the museum itself.

Is hotel pickup included in this Xi'an Terracotta Warriors tour?

Yes, pickup is included for hotels within Xi’an’s Second Ring Road; otherwise there may be an extra charge.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Big Wild Goose Pagoda square in downtown Xi’an; you’ll make your own way back from there.

Are entry fees to Terracotta Warriors Museum included?

Yes, all entrance fees for the museum are covered in your booking.

How many people are in each mini group?

The group size is usually about 12 people; occasionally it may be slightly larger but arrangements will be made accordingly.

Is lunch provided during this half-day trip?

No lunch is included; complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the tour.

Will my guide speak English?

Yes, your guide will be fluent in English and experienced with international travelers.

Can infants join this day trip from Xi'an?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup within central Xi’an, all entrance fees for both the Terracotta Warriors Museum and (if selected) Big Wild Goose Pagoda or City Wall, unlimited bottled water, use of headsets for clear guiding, and drop-off at Big Wild Goose Pagoda square — plus friendly help from your English-speaking local guide along every step.