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Explore the ruins and restored sections of Daming Palace, visit the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, and learn about its historical significance as the heart of the Tang Dynasty.
The Daming Palace, the main imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty, served as the political center and national symbol of the Tang Dynasty. It is located on Longshouyuan [1-2], north of the Tang capital, Chang'an (present-day Xi'an). Construction began in 634 AD, the eighth year of Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan reign. Originally named Yong'an Palace, it was the largest of the three main palaces in Chang'an, known as the "Eastern Palace," and was also known as the "Eastern Palace." Starting with Emperor Gaozong, 17 Tang emperors conducted government affairs here, spanning over 200 years.
The plains of Xi'an have a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct seasons: cold, warm, dry, and wet. Winters are cold, windy, foggy, and with little rain or snow; springs are warm, dry, windy, and changeable; summers are hot and rainy, with a prominent summer drought and frequent thunderstorms and strong winds; and autumns are cool, with rapidly falling temperatures and significant rain showers.
In spring or autumn, the temperature is suitable.
Free for the periphery, 95 yuan per ticket for the core area
Daming Palace was the imperial palace during the Tang Dynasty, serving as the political and cultural center of the empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of ancient Chinese civilization.
Daming Palace is located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. You can reach it by taking a taxi, public bus, or metro (line 2) to the Daming Palace Station.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the gardens are lush.
The entrance fee is 60 CNY for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official website or local ticket platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays. A few days in advance should be sufficient.
You will need about 2-3 hours to fully explore Daming Palace, including the exhibits and the gardens.
Must-see areas include the reconstructed palace halls, the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, and the exhibition halls with artifacts from the Tang Dynasty.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are also offered for a more immersive experience.
The best viewpoints are near the main palace halls and the top of the ruins, offering sweeping views of the surrounding gardens and reconstructed palace structures.
Start at the main entrance and explore the central palace area, followed by the exhibition halls and the surrounding gardens. End the visit with a walk through the Heritage Park.
Night visits and special light shows are not typically available. However, visiting during the evening provides a quieter experience with less crowd.
The site can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Facilities include rest areas, toilets, and water stations. There are small souvenir shops, but for full meals, you may need to visit nearby restaurants.
The main paths and areas are accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some areas with historical ruins may be difficult for disabled visitors due to uneven terrain.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Cash is also accepted, but it’s recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are cafes and small restaurants nearby offering traditional Shaanxi dishes. For a wider selection, you can head to the city center of Xi'an.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in the surrounding area, especially in Xi'an’s city center. Some restaurants inside the site may offer vegetarian options.
There are several hotels near Daming Palace, including budget options and mid-range hotels. For luxury accommodations, consider staying in central Xi'an.
Nearby attractions include the Shaanxi History Museum, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an. These can all be visited in one day if you plan your route efficiently.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the site selling Tang Dynasty-inspired crafts, traditional tea sets, and replica artifacts. You can also find local snacks and souvenirs.
After visiting Daming Palace, taxis, buses, and the Xi'an metro are the best options to continue your trip. For those heading to the Terracotta Army, you can take a direct bus or taxi from the city center.
