Terracotta Army Tours | China Travel Plan

Terracotta army and drum towers

Xi’an is the place to be to see the world famous Terracotta army. You may be thinking though: is it worth it? Is it perhaps too touristy?? Is Xi’an interesting enough to visit in its own right? We’ve been there and seen it all and can honestly say that you don’t want to miss a visit to Xi’an! Your China trip wouldn’t be complete without it.

Xi'an has quite a compact city centre which makes it easy to navigate for independent travellers. After your first introduction to China in Beijing, you’ll enjoy walking through this modern, lively city. Climb the Drum tower (which we thought was more interesting than the well known Bell Tower) in the middle of the city, stroll through the small streets in the nearby Muslim district and go on a bike ride over the city wall. Add to that one of our short Terracotta Army tours and you’ll have a very versatile stop for several days on your way to southern China.

Duration:	3 days/ 2 nights	Departure	Daily; minimum number of participants: 2
Comfort level (1-5):	3 (see accommodation)	Accommodation:	Double occupancy room with shower, toilet in a comfortable hotel (accommodation only)
Price:	From £124 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Included:	Transport, accommodation, Terracotta Army tour without guide
Transport:	Transfer on arrival	Excluded:	Meals and drinks, entrance fees

Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an

Most travellers take the night train from Beijing to Xi’an. You’ll arrive at the train station in the morning and you can easily walk to your hotel across the street from the train station. If you don’t feel like travelling by train, there various daily flights that you can take. On arrival at the Xi’an Airport you’ll be awaited by one of our representatives and taken to your hotel. Small, charming hotels were hard to come by in this area therefore we’ve selected a number of larger hotels for you to stay at and these are still quite affordable.

After arrival, you’ll have some time to freshen up from your train or plane trip. Take a stroll through the city and across the large boulevards. The heart of the city is the large Bell Tower in the middle of the traffic intersection.

Terracotta Army tours - Experience life in China

Later on, have a look at the enormous shopping malls in the city (for instance the mall at the Bell Tower) and you’re sure to be in awe of the large variety of products available and even more so by the large Chinese shopping crowd. Once you leave the mall you’ll back in front of the Drum Tower. Try to be here at around 17:00 and climb to the top. Once you’ve reached the top you’ll have a beautiful view of the city and out over the Muslim district where, during dusk, slowly the first lanterns and lights will be illuminated. In the heart of the tower you’ll find a small museum with a very unique collection of drums from all corners of the globe in all types and sizes up to an elephant drum.

Several times a day a short drum demonstration is given, you may want to be present during one of them. Demonstration times are available at the entrance of the tower. After you’ve finished exploring the tower and seeing the sights, walk back down the tower stairs and visit the Muslim district.

Once your stomach starts to growl you’ll be in exactly the right place at the right time. All of the lights in the trees are lit and you’ll pass several small streets filled with the scent of bar-b-ques and a smokey, misty air of barbecue herbs and spices. Pick any restaurant that looks appealing and order a lamb shish-kabob (or any vegetarian options you fancy).

Behind these small streets you’ll see the mosque of Xi’an (see picture). The strangest thing is that it doesn’t look like a conventional mosque. The men in white caps walking around may give you a clue, but otherwise you may have thought that the gates and stairs lead to a Chinese temple.

In the evening you could sit by the Drum Tower and take in the square of skating, cautiously flirting and heavily telephoning youngsters. A taxi cab (or tuk-tuk) can take you back to your hotel for about £2.

Terracotta Army tours - Stroll through the small streets of this city

Day 2: Xi'an - Terracotta Army tour

You’ll be picked up at your hotel at 9:00 this morning for your Terracotta Army Tour, one of China’s top attractions. The best way to see this attraction is by private tour without a guide and this is exactly how we’ve arranged this excursion for you. The excavation site is approximately 40 minutes from the city and is located in a large park.

The Terracotta Leger was discovered by farmers in 1974. They stumbled upon approximately 8000 clay soldiers, horses and chariots that were once built at the request of the then fourteen year old King Zheng for his future royal tomb.

Start in hall 3, then visit hall 2 and finally hall 1. This way you’ll save the largest and most impressive part of the excavation site for last. Visit the museum and the souvenir stands with kitsch clay soldiers, horses, weapons and other trinkets. The replicas are made in all types and all sizes and shipped all over the world. Despite the crowds all of this is more than worth the visit.

Your Terracotta Army tour will last you approximately two hours; however if you add the time spent in transit, the excursion will take up half a day. If you’d like an active afternoon after the sight seeing in the morning, you could go bike riding over the 10m broad city wall. The wall is 12km long and is built in a square around the city. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds in the city, this is your best bet.

You’ll pay 50 Yuan to access the city wall and 15 Yuan for an hour and a half bicycle rent (enough time to make a complete circle around the city) and a 200 Yuan deposit. The south gate is the best starting point and your bicycle will be ready on the wall for you. There are several cafés located at the various towers. Bicycling is possible from 8:00 - 22:00.

Terracotta Army tours - Xi'an

Day 3: Departure from Xi'an - End of Terracotta Army tours

Depending on the rest of your travel plan, you’ll check out of your hotel at 12:00 at the latest. Then you’ll continue on by train or plane to your next destination. If you have three weeks available to travel, we suggest visiting the Teddy bears and tea houses or head straight for the Lanterns in Lijiang module in the popular south-western province of Yunnan.

If you have more time available and you’re looking for a truly unique experience in a remote location, add on the Monks on the grassy plains module located northwest of Xi'an.