Top Museums in Northwest China

My advice is to spend some time in the museum's exhibition hall before exploring the pits. It sets the scene and helps you appreciate the history behind the Terracotta Army way better

I suggest taking the shuttle bus from the train station rather than a taxi. It costs way less and drops you right at the entrance. Just check the schedule ahead of time so you don't wait around too long.

Grab a map at the entrance. I missed one and ended up wandering around a bit aimlessly, which wasted some time. It really helps to know where you're going!

The audio guide is a must! It makes the experience so much richer and explains things the signs don’t. I decided against it at first and totally regretted it.

don’t forget to bring a water bottle! there's a nice little cafe, but prices can be steep. hydration is key if you plan to wander around for a few hours.

I suggest visiting right when it opens at 9 AM to beat the crowds. The main exhibits can get pretty busy later in the day, and you'll have a much better experience exploring them at your own pace.

I recommend taking some cash with you. While cards are accepted, not every shop inside the museum does, and having cash will make buying snacks or souvenirs much easier.

I think bringing a portable charger is a must. I was taking so many photos, and my phone died before I could capture everything

You can get some great food options nearby, so I'd suggest saving your lunch budget. I found a local place that was way better than the café inside!

Make sure to check out the different sections of the museum for hidden gems, especially the Silk Road artifacts. They totally blew me away!

bring some cash to buy souvenirs at the museum shop. i noticed they had some unique items that aren't found elsewhere but the card machine was down when i visited!

Check out the museum shop for unique souvenirs! I found some really cool replicas of the artifacts that were reasonably priced, way better than the typical tourist traps.