Visit China's Terracotta Warriors
The Eighth Wonder of the World is Just a Short Flight From Beijing
See the continuing excavation in progress, experience the immense terracotta army in its original home and visit Xi'An's ancient city wall all in one day.
A trip to China would not be complete without a tour to Xi’An, home of the terracotta warriors. Row upon row of life size soldiers and horses fill the excavated pits and more are being unearthed. Private guided tours allow more time to be spent at the site making viewing more relaxed.
History of the Xi’An Site
The story of local farmers digging an irrigation well and discovering one of the vaults of the terracotta army is well known. Since then three separate vaults have been excavated revealing well over 8000 life size terracotta figures built to protect Qin ShiHuang, the first emperor of China in the afterlife.
From Beijing to Xi’An
It is possible to visit the terracotta warriors from Beijing in one day for around $500USD including the flight. The day is long, with visitors being picked up at their hotel early in the morning to board an hour and a half flight to Xi’An. At the airport in Xi’An, guides meet their guests and begin the tour by midmorning. Visitors return to the airport in late afternoon, arriving back in Beijing that night.
The Xi’An City Wall
Tours include a visit to the Xi’An city wall. This is the most complete surviving city wall in China and, like the Great Wall, is part of the country’s ancient military protection system. Four decorated gates provide access in through the 12 meter high, 18 meter thick walls. It is even possible to rent a bike and cycle along the top of the wall.
Between visiting the terracotta army and the Xi’An city wall there is a stop for lunch in a government run restaurant and a visit to the factory where replicas of the terracotta warriors are made. Replicas can be purchased here after a tour which shows how the clay figures are made.
The Terrracotta Warrior Museum
The three excavated vaults are now enclosed to protect the figures from weather damage, but the domes covering them allow plenty of sunlight to enhance viewing. Spacious walkways allow for views from many sides as visitors are not permitted into the pits. The walkway does go down along one side of Pit One, giving closer views of the "hospital" area where damaged figures are restored.
Taking the private tour allows a small group to move throughout the three pits at its own pace, rather than being restricted to viewing along with busloads of people, crowding in for a quick look before being hustled on to the next sight. This is especially important in the areas where some of the smaller artifacts are displayed. And it allows the group to return to any of the three pits for another look once the entire site has been toured, enhancing the overall experience.
Trips can be scheduled at many of Beijing’s hotels where tour assistance is provided. Or the trip can be booked ahead of time online through the Chinese Travel and Tourism Resource site. Can’t make it to China? Some of the terracotta warriors are touring the United States in 2008-2010.
