The Great Qin: What to Know Before You Go

《赳赳大秦》 — The Great Qin — is one of Xi’an’s defining shows of recent years, and the world’s first fully traversing theatre: the audience platform advances with the story, carrying you into the Great Qin of 2,200 years ago. Here is what to know before you go.

What it is about

Inspired by the “Heifu Wooden Slips” from the Qin tomb at Shuihudi, Yunmeng, it follows the rise of Qin and the unification of China through the eyes of an ordinary soldier, Heifu. Directed by Zhou Liya and Han Zhen, it premiered in Xi’an on 27 September 2024. One performance runs 80 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets and showtimes

• Five tiers: Premium ¥688 / VIP ¥588 / Zone A ¥458 (offer ¥368) / Zone B ¥388 (offer ¥318) / Zone C ¥338 (offer ¥258).
• Fixed showtimes: 14:30 / 16:50 / 19:45; closed all day every Tuesday.

Choosing a zone

• Facing the main stage, best for photos: Zone A.
• Best value: Zone B offer ticket.
• Tight budget: Zone C offer ticket — the moving route misses no scene.
• Close-up front rows: VIP or Premium.
• Seats are auto-assigned by zone — you choose the zone, not the seat. Seats in one order may not be adjacent.

Getting there

Metro Line 5 to Afanggong Nan (阿房宫南) Station, Exit A/D, then walk north along Tiantai Road about 1 km. By car: Lot 1 (east side) is free; Lot 2 is ¥3/hour, capped at ¥20.

Entry rules

• Real-name: ticket, ID and person must match; scan your ID card — no paper ticket needed.
• 15 minutes late means no entry (the platform has already moved; there is no safe route in).
• No photos or video anywhere in the theatre; no food or drinks in the hall.
• Refundable before 12:00 the day before the show; no refund or change after.
• Under 5 not admitted; 5 and over need a ticket; 75+ / pregnant / high-risk guests are not recommended.

Pre-show checklist

Arrive 1 hour early → bring your ID → store bags (if needed) → check in → fasten your seat belt → phone away, watch the show.