Located in Weiyang District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, Daming Palace National Heritage Park is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a key national cultural relic protection unit, and an important component of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage "Silk Road: Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor". Built on the site of the Tang Dynasty Daming Palace, the park covers a total area of approximately 3.2 square kilometers, with the palace ruins area spanning 1.6 square kilometers. Focused on the protection and display of Tang Dynasty imperial palace ruins, the park preserves over 40 palace architectural foundations such as Hanyuan Hall, Lindian Hall, and Taiye Pool. Through archaeological site displays, digital restoration, and landscape gardening, it recreates the grand layout of the Tang Dynasty imperial palace, serving as a comprehensive heritage park integrating cultural experience, archaeological research, and leisure tourism.
History and Culture
Construction and Evolution
Daming Palace was first built in 634 AD (the 8th year of Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan reign in the Tang Dynasty), originally named Yong'an Palace. It was expanded multiple times and served as the political center of the Tang Dynasty from Emperor Gaozong's reign for 222 years. Destroyed by war in 896 AD (the 3rd year of Emperor Zhaozong's Qianning reign), the existing ruins are the rammed earth foundations of Tang Dynasty palace complexes. As a symbol of the High Tang Dynasty, Daming Palace witnessed important historical periods such as the "Reign of Zhenguan" and the "Kaiyuan Prosperity," embodying precious heritage of Tang Dynasty court etiquette, architectural technology, and urban planning.
Archaeology and Value
Since 1957, the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has continuously excavated the Daming Palace site, revealing a rectangular palace layout measuring 1.5 kilometers wide from east to west and 2.5 kilometers long from north to south, with 11 city gates and numerous architectural remains discovered. The rammed earth foundation of Hanyuan Hall stands 15 meters tall, 75.9 meters long east-west, and 42.3 meters wide north-south, making it one of the largest palaces of the Tang Dynasty; Lindian Hall covers a total area of 12,000 square meters, the largest banquet venue in the Tang palace. After the park's opening in 2010, it systematically presents Daming Palace's historical features through site markers, restored displays, and digital technology.
Main Attractions
Danfeng Gate Ruins
Danfeng Gate, the southern main gate of Daming Palace, is known as the "First Gate of the High Tang Dynasty." The existing ruins are the foundation of the Sui-Tang dynasty gate, measuring 200 meters long east-west and 30 meters wide north-south with five gateways. Protected by a steel structure, the site features a restored Tang-style gate tower standing 33 meters tall, recreating the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty palace gate and serving as the park's iconic landmark.
Hanyuan Hall Ruins
Hanyuan Hall, the main front palace hall of Daming Palace, was built in 662 AD (the 2nd year of Emperor Gaozong's Longshuo reign) and served as the venue for major ceremonies such as grand audiences and amnesties. The existing rammed earth foundation is 15 meters tall, with the "Dragon Tail Path" ruins extending 78 meters in front. Protected by glass enclosures and accompanied by 3D animations, the site recreates the historical scene of "thousands of officials gazing at Chang'an, ten thousand nations bowing to Hanyuan," offering a core area to experience Tang Dynasty court etiquette.
Lindian Hall Ruins
Located on the west bank of Taiye Pool, Lindian Hall was the largest banquet venue in the Tang palace, consisting of three connected halls (front, middle, and rear) with a total area of 12,000 square meters—three times the size of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Ming-Qing Forbidden City. The existing rammed earth foundation and column bases are accompanied by an exhibition hall displaying architectural models and unearthed relics, systematically introducing the hall's functional layout and construction techniques.
Taiye Pool Ruins
Taiye Pool, the largest royal garden lake in the Tang palace, is divided into East Pool and West Pool, covering approximately 160,000 square meters and embodying the gardening concept of "one pool, three fairy mountains." The existing lakeshore ruins and central island rammed earth foundation are surrounded by lotus and reed plantings, with walking paths offering a leisure area to experience Tang Dynasty garden aesthetics.
Cuisine
Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)
A classic Shaanxi snack widely available in restaurants around the park. Shredded braised pork is stuffed into a crispy Baiji bun, offering tender meat and soft bread. Best paired with Liangpi (cold noodles) or Bingfeng soda, priced at approximately 10-15 CNY per serving.
Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Soup with Hand-Torn Bread)
A signature Xi'an halal dish featuring tender lamb soup cooked with hand-torn bread pieces, served with vermicelli and sweet garlic. At time-honored restaurants near the park, visitors traditionally tear the bread themselves for an authentic experience, priced at 35-45 CNY per bowl.
Liangpi (Cold Noodles)
A popular summer snack made from rice or wheat noodles mixed with bean sprouts, cucumber shreds, sesame paste, and spicy oil, offering a tangy and refreshing taste. Available at stalls and restaurants around the park, priced at 8-12 CNY per serving.
Recommended Surrounding Cuisine
Yongxingfang Folk Culture Street, about 3 kilometers from the park, offers Shaanxi snacks such as Zichang Pancakes (5-8 CNY per serving) and Shuaiwanjiu (10 CNY per bowl). The Muslim Quarter, approximately 5 kilometers away, features specialties like Jia San's Soup Dumplings (20-25 CNY per steamer) and Persimmon Huta (5 CNY per piece).
Admission Fees
Ruins Area (Free Zone): Free admission;
Archaeological Exploration Center: 60 CNY/person;
IMAX 3D Film *Legend of Daming Palace*: 30 CNY/person;
Combo Ticket (Archaeological Exploration Center + Film): 80 CNY/person.
Free admission for seniors over 65, persons with disabilities, and active-duty military personnel (with valid ID). Students enjoy half-price tickets with a student ID (on-site purchase required).
Opening Hours
Ruins Area (Free Zone): 08:30-18:00 (open year-round);
Archaeological Exploration Center: 09:00-17:30 (closed Mondays);
IMAX Theater: 10:00-17:00 (shows every hour, closed Mondays).
Tour Routes
Half-Day Tour Route: Danfeng Gate Entrance → Imperial Road Square → Hanyuan Hall Ruins → Xuanzheng Hall Ruins → Zichen Hall Ruins → Taiye Pool → Lindian Hall Ruins → Xuanyuan Gate Exit
Full-Day Tour Route: Morning visit to core ruins (Hanyuan Hall, Taiye Pool, etc.); Afternoon tour of the Archaeological Exploration Center and *Legend of Daming Palace* film; Evening climb to Danfeng Gate for a panoramic sunset view of the ruins.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Xi'an Metro Line 4 to "Daming Palace Hanyuan Hall Station" (Exit D), then walk 500 meters to the Danfeng Gate entrance.
- Bus:
- Hanyuan Hall Station: Routes 2, 262, 528, 717, 728
- Daming Palace National Heritage Park Station: Routes 16, 17, 22, 46, 104, etc. - Self-Driving: Navigate to "Danfeng Gate, Daming Palace National Heritage Park." On-site underground parking is available at 5 CNY/hour (30 CNY daily maximum).
Must-See Attractions
- Danfeng Gate Ruins: A restored Tang Dynasty gate tower standing 33 meters tall, a landmark for photography and experiencing the grandeur of the "First Gate of the High Tang Dynasty."
- Hanyuan Hall Ruins: The foundation of the Tang Dynasty's main palace hall, featuring 3D displays to recreate historical scenes and insights into court etiquette culture.
- Taiye Pool Ruins: The core of the Tang Dynasty royal garden, offering a stroll along the lakeshore to experience the "one pool, three fairy mountains" concept, ideal for lotus viewing in summer.
Tour Tips
- The ruins area is extensive; wear comfortable sneakers and bring sun hats/sunscreen in summer.
- Pick up a *Heritage Guide Map* at the visitor center or rent an audio guide (30 CNY/unit) before visiting.
- The Archaeological Exploration Center is family-friendly, offering interactive activities like cultural relic restoration and archaeological excavation experiences.
- Climb Danfeng Gate in the evening for sunset views or enjoy the illuminated night scenery by Taiye Pool (free night access to the ruins area until 21:00).
Notes
- The ruins area is a protected cultural relic zone; climbing rammed earth foundations or touching protective facilities is prohibited.
- The Archaeological Exploration Center and theater are closed on Mondays; avoid visiting paid attractions on Mondays.
- Smoking, littering, and pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in the park.
- In winter, the ruins area is windy and cold; dress warmly. Some pathways may be slippery in rain—walk carefully.