Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang

秦始皇陵

The burial complex of China's first emperor contains the famous Terracotta Army and vast underground chambers yet to be fully excavated. This monumental tomb reflects the emperor's ambitions and the sophistication of ancient Chinese engineering.

Things to do

• Terracotta Army Museum — Explore the three major pits containing thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation dating to 210 BCE.
• Mausoleum Mound — Climb or walk around the large earthen tumulus that marks the actual burial chamber of Qin Shi Huang, still largely unexcavated.
• Bronze Chariot Exhibition — View the intricately detailed bronze chariots and horses discovered near the mausoleum, showcasing advanced ancient metalworking techniques.
• Underground Palace Tour — Walk through the partially excavated underground chambers and corridors designed to replicate the emperor's palace in the afterlife.
• Pottery Workshop Experience — Participate in hands-on terracotta sculpting workshops where artisans teach traditional techniques used to create the famous army.
• Site Museum Audio Guide — Use the comprehensive audio guide to learn about the archaeological discoveries, burial customs, and historical context of the Qin Dynasty.

Food to try

• Biangbiang Noodles — Wide, hand-pulled noodles served with spicy oil, garlic, and local vegetables, a signature Shaanxi comfort food popular near the site.
• Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger) — Flatbread stuffed with seasoned stewed pork, cumin, and spices, a savory street food commonly sold at the mausoleum entrance.
• Hulatang (Hot Pepper Soup) — A warming soup made with wheat flour, chili oil, and offal, traditionally eaten for breakfast by locals in Xi'an and surrounding areas.
• Qishan Mapo Tofu — A regional variation of mapo tofu originating from nearby Qishan county, featuring silky tofu in a numbing and spicy sauce.
• Guokui (Chinese Pocket Bread) — Crispy, flaky pastry layered with sesame seeds and filled with meat or vegetables, a popular quick breakfast near tourist sites.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Sacred Ground — The mausoleum is an active archaeological site and sacred burial place; remain quiet, stay on designated paths, and do not touch artifacts or ancient structures.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes — The site covers several square kilometers with significant walking between exhibition areas and the main mound; sturdy footwear is essential.
• Visit Early Morning — Arrive by 8-9 AM to avoid midday heat and large tour groups, and to get the best light for photography of the terracotta warriors.
• Hire a Licensed Guide — English-speaking guides at the entrance provide deeper historical context about Qin Dynasty burial practices and recent archaeological discoveries than self-guided visits.