Best day to visit

Question

Hello TA members. Is there a particular day of the week when it is least crowded to visit the Terra-cotta warriors museum? Thank you.

Answer

The Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi'an is one of China’s most popular tourist attractions, so visitor numbers can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and the season.

Here are some key points to consider:

Weekdays vs Weekends: Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are generally the least crowded. Mondays can be moderately busy because some domestic tourists prefer starting trips on a Monday, and Fridays can start to see an uptick as locals and weekend travelers begin arriving.
Public Holidays: Avoid Chinese public holidays such as National Day (October 1–7), Labor Day (May 1–3), and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), as the site is extremely crowded regardless of the weekday.
Time of day: Arriving early in the morning when the museum opens (usually 8:30 AM) helps avoid the largest crowds. Late afternoons are generally quieter as well, though some guided tours and school groups may still be present.
Tourist season: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are peak tourist seasons in Xi’an due to comfortable weather. Summer (June–August) can be very hot but also crowded with domestic students on summer break.

In summary, the absolute least crowded day is a mid-week day (Tuesday to Thursday) during the off-peak tourist season, arriving early in the morning.

Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings outside Chinese public holidays are optimal.
Avoid weekends and Mondays if possible.
Check the local school calendar if traveling in peak season, as student groups can add to crowds.

Planning accordingly can help you enjoy the museum with less congestion and a more relaxed visit experience.