Half-Day Exploration Tour of Terracotta Army From Xian

The mystique of the Terracotta Army has captivated the imagination of people worldwide. Unearthed in Xi’an, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to ancient Chinese ingenuity and cultural richness. Set out on a half-day exploration tour to uncover the secrets behind these life-sized soldiers and horses, considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. Led by an experienced guide, this private tour promises a personalized journey into the heart of this archaeological marvel. Discover the ongoing restoration efforts as you delve deeper into the history and significance of this remarkable site.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Army in Xi’an on a private half-day tour with round-trip hotel transfers in a private vehicle.

• Experience the Eighth Wonder of the World with a licensed English-speaking guide, who provides insights into the ongoing restoration efforts to revive the original vibrant colors.

• Visit the three main pits containing life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses, with varying degrees of restoration work visible.

• Enjoy a personalized and flexible tour experience, with morning or afternoon departure options to suit your schedule.

• Capture the grandeur of the ancient Chinese civilization’s burial complex through photography and immersive exploration at your own pace.

Tour Overview and Details

This private half-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Army in Lintong, Xi’an, China, allows visitors to explore the site at their own pace, avoiding large groups and rigid schedules.

The tour boasts an impressive 5.0 overall rating from 6 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Plus, a transfer-only package is available if visitors have already purchased their own tickets.

The tour includes round-trip transfers from your Xi’an hotel in a private vehicle, with the option to choose between a morning or afternoon departure time that best suits your schedule.

Inclusions and Transportation

The private half-day tour includes round-trip transfers from your Xi’an hotel in a private vehicle.

You can choose from a morning or afternoon tour option, whichever is more convenient. An experienced private driver and licensed English-speaking tour guide are included to ensure a smooth and informative experience.

The tour also covers the fuel surcharge and parking fee, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs. However, personal expenses and meals aren’t included unless you choose to add them.

The tour ensures a personalized experience as it’s a private tour, with only your group participating.

Terracotta Army Experience

The tour begins with a hotel pickup at 7:30 a.m., followed by a roughly 50-minute drive to the Terracotta Army Museum.

At the museum, visitors will explore three pits containing the life-sized soldiers and horses, which were discovered in 1974. This ancient army is reputed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, though the figures’ original vibrant colors have faded due to oxidation.

Ongoing efforts by archaeologists aim to restore the true appearances of these remarkable figures.

The Terracotta Army experience offers:

• Three pits with life-sized soldiers and horses
• Discovery of the figures in 1974
• Reputation as the Eighth Wonder of the World
• Faded colors due to oxidation, with ongoing restoration

Cancellation and Pricing

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Pricing for this half-day Terracotta Army tour starts from $137.00 and varies based on the group size. A lowest price guarantee is available.

Group Size	Per Person Price
1	$197
2	$147
3-4	$137
5-6	$127
7+	$117

This private tour ensures only your group participates, providing a personalized experience at your own pace. With flexible morning or afternoon options, you can tailor the tour to your convenience.

Exploring the Eighth Wonder

After discussing the cancellation policy and pricing details, it’s time to explore the highlights of the Terracotta Army itself – an archaeological wonder that has captivated visitors for decades.

This privately guided tour allows you to discover the museum’s three main pits, home to the life-sized clay soldiers and horses. Visitors will be in awe of these remarkably preserved figures, which were originally vibrant in color but have faded over time.

Ongoing restoration efforts aim to reveal the true appearances of these remarkable relics, offering a unique glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage. The tour’s flexibility ensures you can explore at your own pace, without the constraints of large groups.

• The Terracotta Army is renowned as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
• The figures were discovered in 1974, a monumental archaeological find.
• Visitors can witness the ongoing efforts to restore the original colors.
• The private tour format allows for a personalized and immersive experience.

Discovering the Colorful Figures

Hundreds of vibrantly-colored Terracotta Army figures once adorned the expansive burial complex of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. However, the true splendor of these ancient sculptures has faded over time due to exposure and oxidation. Ongoing efforts by archaeologists aim to restore the original appearances of the figures.

Pit	Description	Restoration Status
1	Contains over 6,000 soldiers, chariots, and horses	Partial restoration in progress
2	Consists of cavalry, infantry, and acrobats	Minimal restoration completed
3	The smallest of the three pits, featuring high-ranking officers	Largely unrestored

While the figures no longer display their original colors, the Terracotta Army remains an awe-inspiring testament to the grandeur of ancient Chinese civilization.

Restoration Efforts by Archaeologists

Archaeologists have undertaken painstaking efforts to restore the true appearances of the Terracotta Army figures. Despite the fading of color due to oxidation over time, researchers are working diligently to uncover the original vibrant tones of the ancient statues.

Their methods include:

• Careful study of pigment samples to determine the original coloring
• Use of advanced imaging techniques to digitally reconstruct the original colors
• Careful application of protective coatings to preserve remaining paint fragments
• Meticulous restoration work to carefully reapply colors in an authentic manner

These restoration efforts aim to bring the Terracotta Army back to its former glory, allowing visitors to appreciate the true splendor of these remarkable ancient creations.

Preparing for the Tour

To make the most of your Terracotta Army tour, it’s important to prepare in advance.

First, ensure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes as the museum covers a large area. Bring a camera to capture the incredible life-sized terracotta figures.

Since the tour is private, you can explore at your own pace, so plan your must-see highlights. Be ready for the morning or afternoon departure, as the tour provides flexibility in scheduling.

While meals aren’t included, you can enjoy a local lunch before or after the tour.

With round-trip transfers and an expert guide, you’ll have a seamless, stress-free experience exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink Into the Museum?

Visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drink into the Terracotta Army museum, though it’s recommended to consume them outside of the exhibition halls to avoid disturbing other visitors or damaging the artifacts.

Are There Any Special Dress Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific dress requirements for the Terracotta Army tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended, as visitors will be walking and exploring the outdoor museum site at their own pace.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed Inside the Museum?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs and record videos inside the Terracotta Army Museum, though flash photography may be prohibited to preserve the artifacts. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific rules before entering.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Attractions in Xian?

The private tour can be extended to visit additional attractions in Xi’an, like the Muslim Quarter or the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, for an additional fee. Guests should discuss their interest in extending the tour with the guide.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Terracotta Army?

The best time to visit the Terracotta Army is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold, making these seasons less ideal for exploring the museum.

Recap

The Terracotta Army tour offers a captivating glimpse into ancient Chinese history. Visitors can explore the awe-inspiring life-sized figures, learn about ongoing restoration efforts, and discover the remarkable craftsmanship that has made this site the Eighth Wonder of the World. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this private tour provides a personalized experience to take in the wonders of the Terracotta Army.