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If you're planning a trip to Xi'an, seeing the Terracotta Warriors is almost certainly at the top of your list. But once you arrive at the museum, you'll discover there isn't just one dig site—there are multiple Terracotta Warriors pits, each revealing a different part of this ancient underground army.
Understanding the terracotta warriors pits explained is key to appreciating the sheer scale and complexity of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. Think of them as different chapters of the same breathtaking story. Pit 1 delivers the jaw-dropping "wow" factor, Pit 2 reveals specialized units and advanced technology, and Pit 3 serves as the mysterious command center.
Think of the three pits as different chapters of the same breathtaking story—each one reveals a new layer of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's underground army.
— BRIDZA ToursLet's break down each pit so you can plan your visit like a pro.
The Grand Army: Terracotta Warriors Pit 1
This is the pit you've seen in every photograph. When you walk through the entrance and first lay eyes on Terracotta Warriors Pit 1, the scale is genuinely breathtaking. It is the largest of the three excavated pits, covering an area of approximately 14,260 square meters (about 3.5 acres)—that's nearly two full-sized soccer fields.
Pit 1 — The Main Infantry Formation
The largest and most iconic pit
What You'll See Inside Pit 1
Size & Scale: 230 meters long, 62 meters wide, and 5 meters deep. The sheer volume of space is hard to comprehend until you're standing inside it.
Number of Figures: It houses the majority of the warriors, with an estimated 6,000 figures. Around 2,000 are currently on display, with many more still buried or undergoing restoration.
Soldier Types: This pit is all about the infantry. You'll see:
- Vanguard rows of kneeling archers at the front (the most famous figures)
- Rows of standing warriors forming the main body
- Officers, charioteers, and war chariots towards the rear
It represents the main battle formation of the Qin dynasty army.
Restoration Status: A significant portion of Pit 1 has been excavated and is open for viewing. You can see active restoration work happening in certain sections, with carefully numbered fragments laid out on tables—a fascinating process to witness.
Best Viewing Angle: The raised platforms around the perimeter offer excellent overview shots, but for a closer look, head to the central walkway. The vantage point from the western side often has slightly fewer crowds.
Time Needed: Allocate at least 45–60 minutes here. It's enormous, and you'll want to walk the entire circuit to absorb the details. The sheer, silent army is a sight you won't forget.
It can get extremely crowded—try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more serene experience.
The Elite Squads: Terracotta Warriors Pit 2
Terracotta Warriors Pit 2 is where the story gets more nuanced. Smaller than Pit 1 but arguably more interesting for history buffs, it represents a complex military formation with specialized units. It was discovered in 1976, a year after Pit 1.
Pit 2 — Specialized Elite Units
Nuanced military formation with diverse troop types
What You'll See Inside Pit 2
Size & Scale: An L-shaped pit covering about 6,000 square meters (1.5 acres).
Number of Figures: Approximately 1,300 figures.
Soldier Types: This is the highlight. Pit 2 contained elite troops and specialized units:
- Kneeling Archers — the best-preserved and most detailed
- Standing Cavalry — infantrymen paired with terracotta horses
- War Chariots — more complex and better preserved than in Pit 1
- A mixed infantry formation
The variety here tells us more about the Qin military's structure and tactics.
Restoration Status: Pit 2 is partially excavated. A large covered hall protects the ongoing excavation, allowing you to see the layer upon layer of artifacts in situ. Many of the museum's most exquisite, perfectly-painted figures (which sadly lose color upon exposure to air) were found here.
Best Viewing Angle: The viewing galleries are closer to the ground here, giving you a more intimate look at the figures, especially the kneeling archers.
Time Needed: 30–45 minutes. It's more manageable in size but dense with information.
The ability to see the excavation in progress, combined with the variety of soldier types, provides crucial context. Look for the partially-painted figures on display in the showcases.
The Command Post: Terracotta Warriors Pit 3
Terracotta Warriors Pit 3 is the smallest and most enigmatic pit, believed to represent the command headquarters of the entire underground army. Its discovery in 1976 confirmed its role as the "brain" of the operation.
Pit 3 — Command Headquarters
The mysterious command center of the army
What You'll See Inside Pit 3
Size & Scale: The smallest pit, covering only about 520 square meters.
Number of Figures: Around 68 figures.
Soldier Types: Not frontline troops, but officers and commanders. The figures here are uniquely painted and show more expressive, individualized features. You'll also see the remnants of deer antlers, pig bones, and weapons, suggesting it was a place for rituals and strategic planning.
Restoration Status: Fully excavated and on display. The layout is clearly visible, with an outer corridor of warriors and a central chamber.
Best Viewing Angle: It's so compact that you can see the entire layout from the main viewing point.
Time Needed: 15–20 minutes is sufficient.
Pit 3 lacks the visual shock of Pit 1 but offers profound insight. The lack of a commanding figure in the center has puzzled archaeologists for decades. The atmosphere here is different—more solemn and mysterious.
Recommended Viewing Order & Itinerary
For the most logical narrative flow, I strongly recommend: Pit 1 → Pit 2 → Pit 3. This order follows the historical discovery (Pit 1 first) and moves from the general army to the specialized units, ending at the command center. It provides a satisfying story arc for your visit.
Pit 1 — The Grand Army
Start with the jaw-dropping scale of the main infantry formation
Pit 2 — Elite Squads
Discover specialized units & watch the excavation in progress
Pit 3 — Command Post
End at the mysterious command headquarters of the army
Some guides suggest Pit 3 → Pit 2 → Pit 1 to "save the best for last." While Pit 1 is undeniably the grand finale, I find the narrative arc of 1-2-3 more intellectually rewarding. Also, Pit 1 is right at the entrance, so fighting the flow of the crowd to go elsewhere first can be counterproductive.
Your ticket (currently 120 RMB / ~$17 USD, as of 2024–2025) includes the entire museum complex. Don't forget to also visit the Exhibition Hall (near the pits) to see the famous bronze chariots and horses, and the Terracotta Warriors Museum (Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor) nearby for the tomb mound itself.
Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | ⚔️ Pit 1 | 🏇 Pit 2 | 🏛️ Pit 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Main Infantry | Specialized Units | Command HQ |
| Total Area | 14,260 m² | 6,000 m² | 520 m² |
| Est. Figures | ~6,000 | ~1,300 | ~68 |
| Soldier Types | Archers, Infantry, Chariots | Kneeling Archers, Cavalry, Chariots | Officers & Commanders |
| Layout | Rectangular | L-Shaped | Compact / H-shaped |
| Excavation | Mostly excavated | Partially excavated | Fully excavated |
| Time Needed | 45–60 min | 30–45 min | 15–20 min |
| Wow Factor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Historical Insight | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best For | First-time visitors | History buffs | Completionists |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pit is the most impressive to see at the Terracotta Warriors?
Pit 1 is by far the most impressive and largest of the three pits. It contains the main army formation with over 6,000 warriors, making it a breathtaking, must-see spectacle.
What are the main differences between Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3?
Pit 1 is the massive main army hall, Pit 2 features mixed units like cavalry and archers, and Pit 3 is the smallest command headquarters. Each offers a unique look into the structure of the ancient Qin military.
Is it worth visiting Pit 2 and Pit 3 if I've seen Pit 1?
Yes, absolutely. Pit 2 showcases different military units and rare figures, while Pit 3 provides a fascinating look at the army's command structure. They offer essential context that completes the historical picture.
In what order should I visit the Terracotta Warrior pits?
The standard and recommended visitor route is to explore Pit 1 first, followed by Pit 2, and then Pit 3. This order follows the logical sequence from the main army to its specialized units and command center.
How long do you need to see all three pits at the Terracotta Warriors?
Plan to spend about 2-3 hours to see all three pits thoroughly. This allows enough time to appreciate the scale of Pit 1 and examine the detailed exhibits in Pits 2 and 3 without rushing.