Live Your Best Lives
The Weiyang Palace Ruins of the Han Dynasty Chang'an City, the capital palace of China's Western Han Dynasty, are located in the northwest of the city center of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. They are the best-preserved remains of a capital city of an ancient unified empire. Construction began in the seventh year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (200 BC) and was destroyed during the wars of the late Tang Dynasty. Only 4.8 square kilometers remain, and some of the remains of the building's foundations are still buried underground.
The Weiyang Palace, the main imperial palace of the Western Han Dynasty, served as the political center and national symbol of the Han Dynasty. Overseen by Xiao He, a close minister of Emperor Liu Bang, it is located on Longshouyuan, the highest point in the southwest corner of the Han Chang'an City. After its completion, the Weiyang Palace served as the imperial residence of the Western Han emperors, becoming the center of government for over 200 years. After the Western Han Dynasty, it continued to be used as an imperial palace by several dynasties, including the Xinmang, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, and as a royal imperial garden during the Sui and Tang dynasties. The Weiyang Palace lasted approximately 1,100 years, serving as an imperial palace for nearly 360 years and as a royal imperial garden for approximately 340 years. It is the most extensive, longest-lasting, and oldest-preserved palace complex in ancient China. It is also one of the largest palace complexes in ancient China, covering a total area of approximately 5 square kilometers, equivalent to 1.5 times the size of the Daming Palace of the Sui and Tang Dynasties and 7 times the size of the Forbidden City of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its architectural style profoundly influenced subsequent palace architecture, laying the foundation for the basic pattern of Chinese palace architecture for over 2,000 years.
This is also the starting point of the Silk Road. In 138 BC, Zhang Qian received an order from Emperor Wu of Han and led a group of over a hundred people westward via the Hexi Corridor, beginning the groundbreaking journey of the Silk Road. On March 4, 1961, the Weiyang Palace Ruins were designated by the State Council as one of the first batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Sites. In 2014, the Weiyang Palace Ruins were inscribed on the World Heritage List as a key component of the "Silk Road: Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" network. In December 2017, the Weiyang Palace Ruins were designated a National Archaeological Site Park.
Best time to travel
Xi'an is a tourist destination in all seasons, and you can experience its unique historical and cultural charm no matter when you visit.
【Recommended attractions】
→Xuanpingli
Located in the ruins of Han Chang'an City, 600 meters west of the intersection of Zhuhong Road and Fengchan Road in Weiyang District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, it is a niche ancient style filming location.
→Weiyang Palace National Archaeological Site Park
It is one of the venues for the "Xi'an New Year" and is where you can watch Han-style operas, folk performances and other programs.
【Recommended Play Time】
The ruins of Han Chang'an City cover a large area, and the recommended visiting time depends on personal interests and travel style.
Free and open
The opening hours of the Weiyang Palace National Archaeological Site Park of Han Chang'an City are from 06:00 to 22:00, all year round.
Han Chang'an City was once the capital of the Western Han Dynasty and is considered one of the most important historical sites in China. It was a thriving political, economic, and cultural center, playing a significant role in the development of Chinese civilization and the Silk Road.
The ruins are located in the outskirts of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Visitors can reach the site by taxi or bus from the Xi'an city center. Public transportation and taxis are the most convenient options, as there is no metro station nearby.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild. To avoid crowds, it's recommended to visit early in the morning or during weekdays.
The entrance fee is approximately 60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the site itself or online through local ticket platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays. Tickets can be booked 1-2 days in advance.
A visit to the Han Chang'an City Ruins takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the site and reading the exhibits.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some private tours may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides can also be rented at the entrance for a more informative experience.
Start by exploring the city wall and gates to get a sense of the site's layout. Then, visit the main excavation sites, followed by the Han Chang'an Museum to learn more about the city's history. End your visit by walking through the archaeological paths for a closer look at the ruins.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available at Han Chang'an City Ruins. The site is mainly a daytime attraction.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during off-peak seasons (fall and spring).
The site has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are also small food stalls and shops offering snacks and souvenirs. It’s recommended to bring water, especially during summer months.
The site is accessible to elderly visitors and children, with paved pathways. However, some of the areas with archaeological ruins may require walking on uneven ground. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging in some parts of the site.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used, making it easier for most visitors to use their smartphones for transactions.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available, especially in the local restaurants near the ruins. Many eateries in Xi'an cater to halal dietary needs, given the region's large Muslim population.
There are small souvenir shops near the ruins selling traditional Xi'an crafts, such as terracotta warrior replicas, local pottery, and hand-made silk products.
