Family Guide to Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors and Ancient Capital With Kids
Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors and Ancient Capital with Kids: Family Travel Guide in one sentence: it is one of the easiest big cities in China to explore with children, combining world-famous sights like the Terracotta Warriors, the walkable Xi’an city wall, and the story of the ancient capital of China at the eastern end of the Silk Road.
As a Singapore-based parent who has visited Xi’an several times with school‑age kids, I’ve learned that families value exactly what Homejourney stands for in real estate: safety, clear information, and trusted recommendations. This guide focuses on how to enjoy Xi’an with children, then gently connects those insights to long‑term lifestyle and property decisions across Asia, including Singapore.
For a broader overview of the city and region, you can also refer to our main pillar guide: Xian China Travel Guide: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Capital | Homejourney Xian China Travel Guide: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Capital | Homejourney .
Why Visit Xi’an With Kids
Xi’an, in central China’s Shaanxi province, was the capital for multiple dynasties and the historic starting point of the Silk Road. Today it’s a mid‑sized, manageable Chinese metropolis where many of the main sights are compact and easy to reach, which is ideal when travelling with children.
The headline attraction is the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, about an hour’s drive from the city centre, where some 8,000 life‑sized clay soldiers, horses and chariots guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor.[1][4] For most children, this is the “wow” moment of the trip, comparable to their first sight of the Marina Bay skyline in Singapore.
Beyond the warriors, kids usually enjoy:
- The well‑preserved Xi’an city wall, where families can rent bicycles and cycle safely along the ramparts.
- The Muslim Quarter’s food streets, with snacks, skewers and desserts that are fun (and relatively affordable) to sample.
- Simple historic narratives: the idea that Xi’an was once the “capital of all China” is easy for primary‑schoolers to grasp.
Best Time to Visit Xi’an With Children
Xi’an has four distinct seasons, and temperature swings are more extreme than in Singapore’s equatorial climate.
- March–May (spring): Often the most pleasant for families. Daytime temperatures around 15–25°C; pack light jackets. Flowers in city parks and lighter crowds than summer.
- September–October (autumn): Cool and crisp, with clear skies. Very popular with domestic tourists over Golden Week (first week of October), so pre‑book Terracotta Warriors tickets and accommodation.
- June–August (summer): Hot (30°C and above) and sometimes hazy. If travelling in school holidays from Singapore, plan indoor breaks (museums, malls) in the hottest hours and visit the warriors early morning.
- November–February (winter): Can drop below 0°C. Manageable with proper winter clothing, but be realistic with younger kids who are used to Singapore’s climate.
Getting to Xi’an From Singapore & Around the City
Several carriers operate flights from Singapore to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (often via a regional hub; schedules change, so always confirm close to your travel dates). The flight time including a transit is typically 7–9 hours, depending on routing.
From the airport, with kids and luggage, the most practical and safest options are:
- Pre‑booked private transfer: Many Xi’an family‑friendly tours allow you to arrange airport pick‑up when you book a Terracotta Warriors day tour.[3] This reduces stress if you don’t speak Mandarin.
- Taxis: Metered taxis are available; check that the meter is on, and have your hotel address in Chinese characters. As in Singapore, always insist on seatbelts for children.
Within Xi’an city, the metro system is straightforward, with bilingual signage. For families, I usually recommend:
- Metro for hops between central sights (city wall, Muslim Quarter, shopping streets).
- Taxi or private car to the Terracotta Warriors museum, about 45–60 minutes from the city centre depending on traffic.[2][5]
When visiting the warriors, there is a short distance from the main carpark to the museum entrance; most families use the onsite electric carts to save children’s energy for the actual pits.[2]
Terracotta Warriors: How to Visit With Kids
The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses is large, but with a bit of planning it’s very manageable for children.
Tickets, Opening Hours & Timing
Ticketing policies are updated regularly, but as at 2025, the museum operates a daily visitor cap and a real‑time capacity limit; ticket sales pause if 13,700 visitors are inside at one time.[1] It is strongly advisable to book tickets in advance via an official channel or through a reputable tour operator.
From experience, families should aim for:
- Morning entry between 9–10am to avoid the heaviest crowds and to tie with children’s best energy window.
- 2–3 hours total at the site, including time for a snack break, toilets and the museum shop.[2][5]
Most family‑friendly itineraries visit the three main pits plus the small museum, usually in the order Pit 2, Pit 3, then Pit 1 last, because Pit 1 is the most visually dramatic.[2][3] Ending with the biggest hall helps keep children engaged.
Family‑Friendly Strategies
When I bring Singaporean families, the following tactics work well:
- Set simple stories: Explain that each soldier once held real weapons that rusted away.[4][5] For younger kids, challenge them to spot different hairstyles or armour details.
- Bring layers and snacks: The pits are covered and air‑conditioned,[5] but you may still queue outdoors. As with any major attraction, expect higher snack prices on site.
- Use a licensed guide: A good guide can simplify complex Qin dynasty history and knows quieter viewpoints where kids can see without being jostled.[4]
- Plan toilets: Remind children to use facilities before entering each pit; queues can build quickly during peak hours.
Beyond the Warriors: Xi’an City Wall, Silk Road History & Kid‑Friendly Culture
The Xi’an city wall is usually the second highlight for families. The rectangular fortification surrounds the old city; many access gates have lifts or broad staircases. Bicycles and tandem bikes can be rented on top of the wall, and the surface is wide enough that even younger riders can cycle comfortably with supervision.
I typically suggest families walk or cycle only one or two sections (30–60 minutes) rather than attempt the full circuit, to avoid fatigue. Sunset rides can be particularly memorable on clear days.
Xi’an’s role as an ancient capital and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road comes alive in the Muslim Quarter. The area is busy, but the main pedestrian streets are car‑free, and street snacks like roujiamo (meat buns) and liangpi (cold noodles) are child‑friendly in taste and price. For parents used to Singapore’s hawker centres, the atmosphere will feel familiar, though louder and denser.
Practical Travel Tips: Visas, Money & Safety
Visa and Entry
Visa requirements for Xi’an depend on your passport and latest Chinese regulations. Singaporeans previously enjoyed visa‑free entry for short stays under certain conditions, but rules have changed in recent years; always check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore or the official China visa centre before booking.
Families transiting through other Chinese cities en route to Xi’an should also confirm whether transit‑without‑visa policies apply to their specific flights and durations.
