Where are the Terracotta Warriors now?

Where Exactly ARE the Terracotta Warriors? The Ultimate Location Guide for American Visitors!

Hey friends! When you see those awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors in movies, books, or your buddy’s travel photos, one fundamental question pops up: “Where exactly ARE these guys right now?”

Totally normal question! Finding an army buried over 2,200 years ago and making it accessible to the world is no small feat. Let me cut straight to the point and give you the warriors’ precise GPS coordinates – just like sending you a pin on your phone map!

The Simple Answer: They’re in China’s Heartland – Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

• Country: People’s Republic of China
• Province: Shaanxi Province – Located in north-central China, it’s one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, packed with ancient history. Think of it as “China’s Natural History Museum.”
• City: Xi’an City – The capital of Shaanxi (like Sacramento is for California). Xi’an is no ordinary city! With over 3,100 years of history, it was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and the largest, most dazzling city in the world during the Tang Dynasty (around 7th-10th century AD), then called Chang’an. Today, it’s a modern metropolis still cradled by ancient city walls and landmarks.
• Exact Spot:Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, Lintong District, Xi’an
  • Lintong District: A district of Xi’an city, located about 40 km (25 miles) east of downtown Xi’an. Think of it as a suburban area, not the city center.
  • The Museum Itself: This is the warriors’ official home! Built directly within the vast burial complex of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The warriors are his underground guard, buried in pits near his tomb. The entire complex is enormous – 56.25 square kilometers (about 22 square miles). That’s roughly 7,800 football fields! The excavated warrior pits are just a small part of it.

The Museum’s Exact Address (For Your GPS)

• Chinese Address: 中国陕西省西安市临潼区秦陵北路 (Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China)
• English Address: Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
• Postal Code: 710600
• GPS Coordinates (For Driving/Ride-Hailing):
  • Latitude: 34.3843° N
  • Longitude: 109.2787° E
• Pro Tip: In China, use map apps like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps). Simply search “Terracotta Warriors” or “Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum” (apps have English options). Tell a taxi driver “Qù Bīngmǎyǒng” (Go to Terracotta Warriors) or “Qù Qínlíng Bówùyuàn” (Go to Qinling Museum) – they’ll know exactly where!

How Far from Downtown Xi’an? Getting There (Transport Options)

Remember the magic number: About 40 km (25 miles). This determines your travel time and options.

1. Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Most Recommended & Convenient):
   • From: Downtown Xi’an (e.g., hotels near the Bell Tower or Big Wild Goose Pagoda).
   • Time: Approx. 1 hour (with normal traffic), up to 1.5 hours during rush hour.
   • Cost: Metered fare, approx. ¥120-150 RMB (≈ $17-21 USD) one-way.
   • Best App: Use DiDi (China’s Uber). English interface available. Link an international card or use Alipay/WeChat Pay. Enter “Terracotta Army” or “Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum”. Often slightly cheaper than hailing a cab.
   • Pros: Door-to-door, comfortable, flexible. Perfect for families or those with luggage.
2. Tourist Bus (Most Economical):
   • From: East Square of Xi’an Railway Station. Take Bus 5 (306). Official state-run service only!
   • Spot the Real Bus: Look for buses clearly marked “游5(306)” and uniformed staff. Avoid touts offering “cheaper” rides!
   • Time: Approx. 1 – 1.5 hours.
   • Cost: Only ¥7 RMB (≈ $1 USD) one-way. Super cheap!
   • Pros: Very inexpensive! Frequent departures.
   • Cons: Can be crowded; requires getting to the station; less predictable timing. Watch your belongings.
3. Self-Drive (Only if you have a Chinese License & Confidence):
   • Route: From downtown, mainly take the Xi-Lin Expressway or National Highway G108. Follow your nav app.
   • Time: Approx. 45 mins – 1 hour (no traffic).
   • Parking: Large paid parking lots at the museum (approx. ¥10-20 RMB per stay).
   • Nav Apps: Baidu Maps or Amap (set to English).
   • Note: Downtown traffic can be heavy, and driving styles/signage differ. For most visitors, taxi or bus is much simpler.

Where Inside the Museum? (The Layout)

Knowing the district isn’t enough! Once inside the gates, here’s where to find the action. The main sights are close together:

1. The Pit Pavilions (The Main Event!):
   • Pit 1 Pavilion: The BIG one! This is the iconic hall housing thousands of warriors in battle formation. Stand on the U-shaped viewing platform for that famous view. Photo central!
   • Pit 2 Pavilion: Next to Pit 1. Shows complex army formations (infantry, cavalry, chariots) with areas still covered, under excavation, or being restored.
   • Pit 3 Pavilion: The smallest pit, believed to be the army command post.
2. Exhibition Hall of Historical Relics (DO NOT MISS THIS!):
   • Location: Near Pits 1 & 3, well-signposted.
   • Why Go? Houses the finest original treasures from the pits and tomb complex! Must-sees:
     • Exquisite High-Ranking Officers & Generals
     • The incredibly preserved Kneeling Archer
     • Beautiful Bronze Weapons (swords, crossbows – still sharp!)
     • The unique Green-Faced Warrior (Original!)
     • Details and components of the Bronze Chariots (complex replicas are in Lishan)
3. Lishan Garden (Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Park):Your ticket includes this!
   • Getting There: Take the free shuttle bus from near the pit pavilions (look for signs, ride takes minutes).
   • What’s Here: A vast park covering the emperor’s tomb mound, including:
     • The huge, unexcavated Burial Mound (a tree-covered hill).
     • Pit 9901 (Acrobats Pit): Unique figures of acrobats/strongmen.
     • Pit 0006 (Civil Officials Pit): Terracotta civil servants.
     • Two spectacular half-size replica Bronze Chariots & Horses (originals are in the Shaanxi History Museum).
   • Tip: Lishan is huge! Allow 1.5-2 hours. Paid electric carts available. If short on time/energy, focus on the Pits and Exhibition Hall first.

The Warriors’ Neighbors (Key Nearby Sights)

Knowing the warriors’ location helps plan your Xi’an trip. Here’s how nearby attractions relate:

• Downtown Xi’an (Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, City Wall): Due west, approx. 40 km. The historic heart, food hub, and cultural center.
• Shaanxi History Museum: Located south of downtown Xi’an, approx. 35-40 km from the warriors. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit before or after the warriors. It holds massive collections (including some warrior originals and stunning bronzes) providing essential context for Qin Dynasty and Shaanxi history. Like visiting the Met before seeing the Statue of Liberty!
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda / Tang Paradise: Located southeast of downtown, approx. 30-35 km from warriors. Iconic Tang Dynasty pagoda and modern Tang-themed entertainment area.
• Huaqing Palace: The warriors’ closest neighbor! In Lintong District, only about 5 km (3 miles) away, situated between the warriors and downtown Xi’an. A beautiful Tang Dynasty imperial hot springs palace site, also famous for the “Xi’an Incident” (where Chiang Kai-shek was detained). Well worth combining! Many tours offer “Huaqing Palace + Terracotta Warriors” day trips.

The Bottom Line: Where ARE the Terracotta Warriors?

1. Geographic Hierarchy: China -> Shaanxi Province -> Xi’an City -> Lintong District -> Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum
2. Pinpoint Location: Qinling North Road, Lintong District, Xi’an (GPS: 34.3843° N, 109.2787° E)
3. From Downtown Xi’an: ~40 km (25 miles), ~1 hour drive.
4. How to Get There: Taxi/Ride-Hailing (easiest) or Bus 5/306 (cheapest) are the top choices.
5. Inside the Museum: Head straight for Pits 1, 2, 3 and the Exhibition Hall. Remember your ticket includes Lishan Garden (free shuttle bus).
6. Perfect Pairing: Huaqing Palace is super close (5 km). The Shaanxi History Museum (downtown Xi’an) is essential.

So there you have it, friends! You now know the exact “address” of this 2,200-year-old underground army. It’s waiting for you in Lintong, east of Xi’an. Plan your transport, pack your curiosity (and camera – flash OFF!), and get ready for a mind-blowing journey back to the Qin Empire! The Terracotta Warriors are waiting in Xi’an! Have a fantastic trip!

Xi’an Travel Guide：https://chinaxiantravelguide.com/