⚔️ Terracotta Army

Xi'an, China

Best time: March–May and September–November, avoiding the summer heat

An underground army that has guarded the First Emperor's tomb for over 2,000 years: thousands of life-size clay soldiers, no two faces alike. Pit 1's battle formation is the showstopper, and digging continues.

Good to know

• Hire a guide or audio guide on site to understand what sets each pit apart.
• Tourist bus 5 (306) from central Xi'an takes about an hour.