Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Qin Shi Huang Tomb)

Since archaeologists haven’t yet entered the tomb, visitors can only get a feel for its grandeur through the surrounding Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor site park. This complex comprises the tomb mound, a garden area, and, more importantly, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Just about every visitor to Xian comes to see the warriors, and just about every tour of the city includes a stop to see them. Not every tour, however, stops at the tomb itself, where you can climb to the top of the mound for views across the surrounding countryside and imagine what might lie below.

• The Qin Shihuang Mausoleum is a must-visit for history buffs.

• Bring along some sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if you plan to climb the burial mound.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is located about 22 miles (35 kilometers) east of Xian in the suburbs of Lintong County, easily accessible by public bus from Xian. Take either tourist line 5, which departs from the Xian Railway Station, or bus 307 from the south gate to Bing Ma Yong.

Since the mausoleum doesn’t get as much visitor traffic as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, plan to start with an early visit to the museum with a stop at the mausoleum after. Avoid visiting on Chinese national holidays.

While the tomb hasn’t been excavated, probes and geological surveys suggest the complex comprises an entire underground city, complete with a royal palace. Levels of mercury within the tomb are extremely high, and there is concern that opening the tomb could put the precious artifacts within at risk of damage. It’s unclear when—or if—China will ever allow a full excavation.

No, you cannot go inside Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum or tomb. It hasn’t been excavated yet and may never be. You can, however, explore the three pits where the terracotta army and horses have been excavated. Go with a guide to learn how the site was built and unearthed.

Qin Shi Huang, the first Qin emperor, was ruler of the Qin dynasty for nearly 35 years. He unified the Chinese empire for the first time, advancing the country and creating the imperial system. He’s best known for ordering the formation of thousands of buried, life-sized terracotta warriors.

The burial tomb, or mausoleum, took 38 years to build, from 246 BC to 208 BC. Emperor Qin Shi Huang was throned at age 13 when work on the mausoleum first started. After Emperor Qin unified China, the site was improved and embellished—details such as rivers of mercury were added.

If you only visit the tomb/mausoleum, you only need 30 minutes, since you can’t go inside it. If you plan to visit the pits where the terracotta army has been excavated, tours can last around two hours, depending on how many other visitors are there.

It’s not hard to find a tour from Xian, either private or group. Many tours stop off at the burial tomb and then go on to explore the army of terracotta warriors. Some tours include lunch, plus transport to and from Xian. Others add on a city tour of Xian’s Muslim Quarter.

Yes, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is worth visiting. It can be fascinating to hear how the tomb was built and how many human lives it required. The terracotta warriors and horses are an astonishing feat, which might make you rethink your own burial wishes.