What to Do After Visiting the Terracotta Army
A lot of people visit the Terracotta Army on their first trip to Xi’an, but the city has much more to offer than just that site. The question is what to do with the rest of the day once you finish your visit. Many people head straight to Lishan because it is close by, but I honestly think most travelers will enjoy their day more by going to Huaqing Palace directly instead.
This is based on what I did myself and what I wish I had known before going.
Why I Skip Lishan After the Terracotta Army
Lishan often appears in tour packages because it is nearby and easy to include, but a lot of it feels slow unless you are really into archaeology. Much of the mountain area is ruins and foundations that require imagination to appreciate. After spending hours looking at the Terracotta Army, which are very visual and clear, Lishan feels a bit dull.
You also end up walking long stretches between viewpoints without much happening. If your energy is already dropping, this can make the afternoon feel longer than it needs to.
If you love ancient history in detail, it can still be interesting. But for most first-time travelers, it is not the highlight.
Head to Huaqing Palace Instead
Huaqing Palace is only a short DiDi ride from the Terracotta Army. It is a calmer and more visually pleasant place to walk around. The hot spring pools, the courtyards, and the gardens are all easy to enjoy even without a deep knowledge of Chinese history.
The area is well signed, and you can see the main sights in about one to two hours. If you want to make sure you have the latest opening times or ticket info, check recent posts on Reddit or Trip.com. China updates things often, so it helps to look up fresh details.
One thing to know: there is not a lot of food right by Huaqing Palace. A better plan is to eat at the small food court and snack stands right outside the Terracotta Army before you leave. There is more choice there and it is easier to grab something quick.
Stay for the Tang Dynasty Music Show
If your timing fits, the outdoor music show at Huaqing Palace is a great way to end the day. The mountain backdrop and the lighting make it feel very different from anything else in Xi’an.
You can book tickets on Trip.com or Meituan. Meituan is mostly in Chinese, but Alipay and WeChat Pay have translation tools built in, so it is manageable.
Arrive a little early. The seating area can get busy, but staff are used to helping tourists and will point you to the right entrance.
Taking the Metro Back to Xi’an
You do not need to take a DiDi back. It is usually more expensive and slower during show hours. The metro is easy, cheap, and a 10 minute walk away.
Huaqing Palace has a metro station close by. The signs are clear, and the station is modern and clean. Even if you are not used to taking public transport in China, it is very simple to follow. Once you are on the train, it is a straight ride back toward central Xi’an.