15 Facts about Xian Travel | Xian Travel Tips

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum Layout

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, which houses the main pits containing the warriors, is divided into three sections: Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3.

Pit 1: The largest and most impressive of the three pits, Pit 1, houses the main army formation, with over 6,000 figures (2,000 are currently on display). The pit covers an area of approximately 14,260 square meters, equivalent to the size of an airplane hangar.

Pit 2: This pit is notable for its complex layout and variety of military figures, including standing and kneeling archers, cavalry, charioteers, and infantry. Despite being smaller than Pit 1, Pit 2 offers a richer diversity of the army, providing further insights into ancient military strategy and the mysteries of the army array.

Pit 3: Known as the command center, Pit 3 is the smallest but considered the most important pit due to its perceived role as the army's "headquarters."

Our Recommended Visiting Route: Pit 1 – Pit 3 – Pit 2 - Exhibition Hall

Begin with Pit 1 as it's the largest and most stunning, offering a grand first impression. Spend ample time here observing the soldiers' intricate details and formations. Next, move on to Pit 3, where you will see the army's "headquarters." Then, proceed to Pit 2, where you will encounter a more diverse array of military figures. Finally, conclude your visit at the Exhibition Hall, where you can marvel at the history of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

Suggested Visiting Time: 2-3 hours

There are many day trips from Xian, including a visit to the nearby Huashan Mountain (Mount Hua), a hike along the Hukou Waterfall, or a trip to the nearby city of Luoyang to see the Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Kungfu at Shaolin Temple.

Check the sample itineraries from Xian:

>> 4 Days Xian Panorama Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking

>> 4 Days Luoyang Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Kungfu Experience from Xian

Xian is famous for its delicious cuisine, including dishes like biang biang noodles, rou jia mo (Chinese-style hamburgers), and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread). The city is also renowned for its street food, especially in the Muslim Quarter. If you're interested in trying dumplings, we offer a family visit experience where you can learn to make dumplings or a Dumpling Dinner (Jiaozi Banquet) where you can enjoy a variety of dumplings.

Xian offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Popular areas to stay in Xian include the city center, near the Bell Tower, and near the South Gate of the Ancient City Wall. Before booking your Xian tour, let us know your preferred hotel class (3 star, 4 star, or 5 star) and we can provide a list of hotels for your reference.

Xian is well connected to other parts of China by air and train, with regular flights and high-speed trains available from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Dunhuang, Pingyao, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Chongqing, and more. If you have specific travel ideas or transportation preferences, our travel experts are happy to help you arrange the best transportation option for your needs.

Xian is a historical destination that can be visited throughout the year. However, the best seasons to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Additionally, the springtime brings beautiful cherry blossoms to the city, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. If you're interested in experiencing Xian's winter season, you can visit during this time to view the snowy landscapes and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Spring Festival (also known as Chinese New Year), which typically falls in late January or early February.

Those terracotta warriors and horses  were made about 2,200 years ago. They are life-size terracotta warriors to defend the army of Qin Shihuang (which was the first emperor in Chinese history). Those warriors and horses were discovered in March 1974.

Xian has many must-see attractions, including the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Ancient City Wall, the Shaanxi History Museum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter.

The amount of time you should spend in Xian depends on your travel plans and interests. A typical itinerary includes 2 to 3 days to visit the major attractions in Xian, but it is possible to spend more time if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas in more depth.

Hiking Mount Huashan, particularly the Plank Road in the Sky, can be a challenging and exhilarating experience. While it's generally safe to hike the mountain, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines, wear suitable gear, and avoid hiking during adverse weather conditions.

In case you encounter any problems during your hike, please inform your guide immediately. They will guide you on how to handle the situation and adjust the itinerary if necessary. Your safety is our top priority, and we strive to ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe experience while exploring the beauty of Mount Huashan.

The Huashan plank walk, also known as the "Plank Road in the Sky", is approximately 130 meters long and is the most famous and thrilling section of the Huashan mountain hike. It is a narrow wooden path built onto the side of a steep cliff, with a sheer drop of over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) on one side. Walking the plank road is an unforgettable experience for those who dare to brave it.

Children and seniors can climb up to Mount Huashan, but it depends on their physical fitness and health conditions. If physical able, we recommend the leisure route for children and seniors, you can go like this: Cable Car - West Peak - South Peak - Plank Road in the Sky - East Peak - Middle Peak - West Peak - Cable Car route (4-5 hours, the leisure hiking route).

Please check the sample itinerary: 3 Days Best Xian Tour with Mount Huashan Leisure Hiking >>

You will explore Mount Hua via the Cable Car - North Peak - Canglongling - Middle Peak - East Peak - Plank Road in the Sky - South Peak - West Peak - Cable Car route (the most classic route for 6-7 hours' visit). The sample itinerary is: 4 Days Xian Panorama Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking >>

The time it takes to climb Mount Huashan depends on several factors, including the starting point, route, and physical fitness of the hiker. On average, completing the ascent and descent of the mountain takes around 6-8 hours. Generally, it takes a full day to finish the trip.

The Yunyou (Cloudy Valley) route is the most popular hiking trail and takes around 4-5 hours to climb to the North Peak, while climbing the other peaks can take an additional 3-4 hours. The Plank Road in the Sky, which is the most challenging and thrilling section of the hike, can take around 1 hour or more to complete. If you plan to hike up the mountain, it's advisable to allocate two days to complete the trip comfortably.

The ideal time to visit Mount Huashan is from April to October when the weather is mild and pleasant. During spring, the average temperature ranges from 4-16℃, while in the summer months, it's around 9-21℃. In the autumn months, the temperature ranges from 7-18℃, offering comfortable weather for exploring the mountain.

Regardless of the season, Mount Huashan's scenery is nothing short of magical, with ever-changing landscapes that leave visitors in awe. From the misty, cloud-covered peaks to the breathtaking views from the summit, every moment spent on the mountain feels like a journey to a fairyland of beauty.