Daming Palace (大明宫), originally known as Yong’an Palace (永安宫) when it was constructed in 634 AD, later renamed Daming Palace in January 635 AD, served as the political epicenter of the Tang Dynasty for over 200 years. Unfortunately, in 904 AD, Daming Palace was destroyed and became a ruin. Situated on the Dragon’s Head Hill in the northern part of Chang’an City, it featured magnificent structures such as Hanyuan Hall, Linde Hall, Sanqing Hall, Qingsi Hall, Xuanzheng Hall, and Zichen Hall.
Daming Palace National Heritage Park (大明宫遗址公园), covering approximately 3.84 square kilometers, faithfully restores the historical appearance of the Tang Dynasty’s Daming Palace. It follows a central axis from Danfeng Gate to Chongxuan Gate, encompassing areas like the front court, palace buildings, and palace gardens. While preserving cultural relics, the park also incorporates tourism elements, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty’s political and cultural center.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Daming Palace National Heritage Park
- Vlog about Daming Palace National Heritage Park
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Related Facts
- Other Palaces in Xi’an
Basic Information
| Website | https://www.dmgpark.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 2 – 3 hours |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 19.00; Last entry: 18.30 (15th April – 15th October) 8.30 – 18.30; Last entry: 18.00 (16th October – 14th April the next year) |
| Ticekt Price | Adult: 60 yuan Adolescent between 6 and 18 years old: 30 yuan Children under 6 years old or below 1.2 meters: free of charge |
| Telephone Number | 0086-029-81618201 0086-4000096635 |
Location and Transportation
Daming Palace National Heritage Park is situated in the southern suburbs of Xi’an, about 4.5 kilometers from the city center. Despite its relatively remote location, you can get there in various public transport.
Bus: Take bus No. 2, 17, 38, 104, 200, 209, 216, 263, 289, or 298, get off at Daminggong Guojia Yizhi Gongyuan Stop (Daming Palace National Heritage Park Stop), and the entrance is right to the east.
Subway: Take subway line 4, get off at Hanyuan Dian Station or Daming Palace Station, and walk about 100 meters to the north to reach the entrance.
But if you want to access through the main gate, you need to walk along the road to the south, turn right at the first bent, and then walk about 400 meters to reach the square and ticket office.
Highlights of Daming Palace National Heritage Park
The Hanyuan Hall
Hanyuan Hall, the primary ceremonial hall within Daming Palace National Heritage Park, was the grandest structure in Tang Dynasty’s Chang’an City. Serving as the focal point for significant imperial ceremonies and court assemblies, it held immense historical significance. Flanked by the Xiangluan and Qifeng Pavilions on its eastern and western sides, it also featured a pathway known as the Longwei Road leading to the flat grounds. The palace’s raised platform stood at over 3 meters high, with dimensions of 75.9 meters in length from east to west and 42.3 meters in width from north to south. Hanyuan Hall exemplifies the architectural grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
The Taiye Pond
Taiye Pond, situated in the central northern region of Daming Palace National Heritage Park, covers an area of approximately 16,000 square meters. It consists of two pools, East and West, connected by a central channel. The water source for Taiye Pond is derived from the Longshou Canal, which originates in the south. The pond is also connected to an underground channel that links it to areas outside the palace grounds. The design of the surrounding covered walkways and adjacent palace buildings takes advantage of the topography, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing landscape within this historically significant location.
The Tang Tri-Color Glazed Pottery Exhibition Hall
The Tang Tri-Color Glazed Pottery Exhibition is a must-see attraction within the Daming Palace National Heritage Park in Xi’an, China. It showcases the unique and beautiful pottery produced during the Tang dynasty, which is known for its three-color glaze: green, yellow, and white. The pottery on display includes figurines, animals, and household items such as vases and bowls, all with intricate designs and vivid colors. The exhibition hall provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of this ancient art form, which played an important role in Tang dynasty culture and trade. Visitors can also watch skilled craftsmen demonstrate the pottery-making process and purchase souvenirs to take home.
The Tang Music and Dance Show
The show features traditional Tang dynasty music and dance performances, accompanied by colorful costumes, elaborate makeup, and intricate choreography. The performances are based on historical accounts and depict scenes from daily life during the Tang dynasty, as well as famous myths and legends. It provides visitors with an immersive and entertaining experience that showcases the beauty and elegance of ancient Chinese culture. The performance is held outdoors, with the illuminated Daming Palace complex providing a stunning backdrop.
Notice: you need to pay extra price for the performances, which usually ranges from 30 to 50 yuan.
Vlog about Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Expectations: Daming Palace National Heritage Park doesn’t feature the grand palaces one might imagine. Instead, visitors will encounter remnants of walls and historical traces that evoke the glorious era of the Tang Dynasty. Each palace site is accompanied by informative signs detailing the history of the Tang Dynasty’s prosperity.
Miniature Model: Within the park, there’s a miniature model depicting the grandeur of the original Daming Palace. This model provides visitors with a visual representation of what the palace might have looked like during its heyday, allowing them to envision its past splendor.
Sightseeing Car: For convenient exploration of the expansive park, visitors can opt for the sightseeing car tour, which costs 30 yuan per person. The tour takes approximately 20 minutes to complete one circuit around the entire park, with stops at various points of interest where passengers can embark or disembark as desired.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park covers a vast area, so it’s essential to wear comfortable athletic shoes, especially considering the amount of walking involved. Additionally, visitors should apply sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s rays due to the limited shade available.
