Hotels near Terracotta Army, Xi'an

Worst experience of my life - the place was heaving with people and it was impossible to actually see anything. No organisation or crowd control at all - a complete free for all with no limit on numbers. After queing for ages to get into the complex you then have to fight through thousands of people pushing and shoving their way into the pits. In the end I had to give up because it was just too unpleasant and claustrophobic - not to mention unsafe. If a fire had broken out in any of the pits there would have been hundreds of deaths because there was literally no way to get out because of the crowds. Pit 1 was at least 10 people deep the whole way around. The road infrastructure is also very badly designed and it takes ages to get to the entrance because of the traffic jams. Avoid this place at all costs (especially at weekends and peak times and the whole of July/August). Watch a video on it instead - you'll see more than I did!

This was an amazing morning. Go early to avoid it being too crowded. Get yourself a guide so they can tell You the history of the place. Fascinating! If I were to go again I would go in Autumn or spring when it’s a bit cooler. Incredibly hot in July and August!

The terracotta Army can be reached easily by regular bus from the bus station (2016) following Lonely Planet instructions. No need to pay for the expensive bus. If you bring the name “terracotta warriors” written in chinese (in the LP guide) and show it to any passager on the bus, they will make sure you get off at the right stop (the 2nd or 3rd from the bus station as this bus is sort of an express bus)

Very expensive and busy, but a must-see in Xi'an. They are also no longer accepting foreign student cards for discounts, which is quite irritating. It's amazing to see the army and excavations, but best to go early in the morning to avoid the queues. Get the pubic bus there as well, it's much cheaper than an organised tour, and watch out for touts trying to sell you tickets to other places you're not interested in or persuade you to pay for a private tour guide at the entrance (not necessary at all as there is lots of information in English).

Go as early as you can in the morning. Preferably with a guide. If you leave getting there too late (ie. mid morning or later) it becomes VERY VERY crowded. Try to see the main hanger first where all the soldiers are. Then the other attractions as the crowds allow. Do NOT go on a Chinese public holiday and also, if possible not on a weekend. You have been warned it will be HEAVING!! Good luck, well worth it, but you need sharp elbows and a thick skin! : )

A little bit disappointed with the Terracotta Army. While Pit 1 is amazing there is very little in the other pits. Plus a video in English explaining the Army would have been so helpful. Finally it rained the entire time we were there and, the walk from the car park to the entrance gates, and then from the entrance gates to the various pits was just too long in the rain. We were soaked!