Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour & Local Lunch

Summary

See the silent army in Xi’an, wander ancient pits, taste local food

You’ll stand eye-to-eye with thousands of life-sized Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, guided through ancient pits and stories by a local expert. Feel the cool clay at a terracotta workshop, then taste bold flavors over lunch in the bustling Muslim Quarter. This tour leaves you with more than photos—it lingers like spice on your tongue.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely made it out of the van before our guide, Li, was already waving us over to the entrance of the Terracotta Warriors Museum. There’s this low hum from the crowd—school kids in matching caps, older folks clutching their cameras. The air felt thick with that museum-dust smell and something else I can’t quite name. Li started telling us about Emperor Qin and how these warriors had been underground for over 2,000 years. I touched one of the cold stone railings and tried to imagine what it must’ve been like to dig them up for the first time. You really do get lost staring at those rows of soldiers—each face different, some with chipped noses or faded paint. It’s strange how quiet everyone gets when they walk in.

We shuffled between pit 1 and pit 3 (pit 2 was smaller but somehow more mysterious), and Li pointed out tiny details—the way a horse’s ear curls, or how some warriors have real mustaches sculpted on. She laughed when I squinted at one archer’s shoes; apparently even their tread patterns are unique. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing there—like you’re peeking into someone else’s afterlife plans. Afterward we stopped by a terracotta workshop nearby where workers showed us how they make replicas using old techniques. The clay dust stuck to my fingers for ages—I kept rubbing them together on the ride back.

Lunch was in the Muslim Quarter near Bell Tower—Li suggested biangbiang noodles (she wrote it out for me; I still can’t pronounce it). The spices hit first, then this deep savory flavor that lingered long after we left. We wandered through food stalls afterward, dodging scooters and trying not to buy every sesame candy in sight. It wasn’t a perfect day—my shoes got muddy outside pit 1—but honestly, I still think about that moment when the light hit all those silent faces at once. If you’re curious about history you can almost touch—or just want a good meal after—you’ll probably remember this day trip from Xi’an too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Area

• Explore archaeological site pits 1, 2, and 3
• See 8,000 life-size warriors and horses
• Visit exhibition hall at the museum
• Tour ends with drop-off at Muslim area
• Explore food and souvenir street independently
• Return to hotel on your own

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Xi’an to the Terracotta Warriors Museum?

It usually takes about an hour by car from central Xi’an to reach the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

Is lunch included on this Terracotta Warriors tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip from Xi’an.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your accommodation.

Will we visit all three main pits at the museum?

The itinerary covers pit 1, pit 2, pit 3, plus an exhibition hall at the museum site.

Is there a visit to a terracotta warrior factory?

Yes, you’ll stop at a terracotta figure workshop to see how replicas are made using traditional methods.

Is this tour suitable for people using wheelchairs or strollers?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers; all areas are accessible.

Where does the tour end?

You’ll be dropped off near Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter by Bell and Drum Tower; return to your hotel is on your own.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, entry tickets for all sections of the Terracotta Warriors Museum including pits 1–3 and exhibition hall, a hands-on stop at a terracotta figure workshop where you’ll see traditional methods up close, plus lunch before being dropped off near Xi’an’s lively Muslim Quarter for independent exploring before heading back on your own.