Terracotta Army

Why it's worth it

The army that guarded China's first emperor for 2,200 years — found in 1974 by farmers digging a well. Around 8,000 life-size warriors and horses stand in three pits, no two faces alike, originally painted in bright lacquer that flaked on contact with air.

Don't miss

• Pit 1 — the 6,000-strong infantry formation; stand on the gallery and just look before you photograph
• The two bronze chariots in the museum hall — half-size but fully detailed, cast in 3,000 parts
• The 'well' marker where the farmers actually struck clay in 1974

Getting there

40 km east of the city. Tourist Bus 5 (306) from Xi'an Railway Station square, roughly hourly, about 70 minutes; a DiDi costs more but drops you at the gate.

Tips

• The official guide service at the entrance is genuinely worth it — the site is confusing and the stories are the point
• Start with Pit 3, then Pit 2, and save Pit 1 for last so the big formation lands as the finale
• Skip lunch at the site; combine with the Huaqing Palace pools on the way back if you must fill the day