Immersed in Tang Dynasty Splendor: The Datang Furong Garden & Daming Palace, Xi’an
For many international visitors, Xi’an is not just the “City of Terracotta Warriors”; it’s a living museum of the glorious Tang Dynasty. Today, we’ll take a journey to two incredible places that embody this golden age: The Datang Furong Garden and the Daming Palace National Heritage Park. This guide provides a detailed itinerary, transportation tips, ticket information, and a budget breakdown to help you make the most of your trip. For readers looking for more background on these sites, see our in-depth article Exploring Xi’an’s Tang Dynasty Gems: The Datang Furong Garden and Daming Palace for detailed history, cultural insights, and visitor highlights.
Itinerary Overview & Budget
- Tickets:
- The Datang Furong Garden: 120 RMB for adults, 60 RMB for students (with a valid ID).
- Daming Palace: The main park is free. The combo ticket for the museum and archaeological sites is about 60 RMB.
- Transportation: The subway is your best option. A single ticket is usually 2–10 RMB.
- Food: Expect to spend about 30–50 RMB for a quick meal inside the parks and 80–120 RMB for a nice dinner.
Morning: Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Experience the grandeur of the Tang imperial court.
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: From the city center, take Metro Line 2 to Daminggong West Station. Take Exit C and follow the signs to the park’s main entrance, the Danfeng Gate.
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Walk down the central axis to visit the Danfeng Gate Museum, the Hanyuan Hall ruins, the Xuanzheng Hall ruins, and the Zichen Hall ruins.
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Head to the Taiye Pool to see the royal garden. You can also visit the Daming Palace Museum to learn more about the palace’s history.
Must-See Spots:
- Danfeng Gate Museum: The main southern gate, once called the “First Gate of the Glorious Tang Dynasty.” Exhibits, models, and multimedia displays illustrate its massive scale and historical importance in Tang political life.
- Hanyuan Hall Ruins: The main audience hall, a landmark of Chang’an City. Standing before the massive foundation, you can imagine grand ceremonies and officials bowing to the emperor.
- Taiye Pool Ruins: Also known as “Penglai Pool,” the heart of the Tang imperial garden. Picture the royal family boating on the lake and writing poetry.
Tips:
- The park is huge—wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen in summer.
Afternoon: The Datang Furong Garden
Travel back in time to the heart of the Tang Dynasty.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Take Metro Line 4 from Daming Palace to The Datang Furong Garden Station. Take Exit D to reach the park entrance.
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Enter through the Yuyuan Gate and explore the Ziyun Tower, the Fengming Jiutian Theater, the Caixia Corridor, the Tang Ladies Museum, and the Xingyuan Garden.
Must-See Spots:
- Ziyun Tower: The park’s most iconic building. Inside, see exhibits about Tang Dynasty achievements in science, culture, and art. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the park.
- Tang Ladies Museum: Focuses on the lives of women in the Tang Dynasty. Recreated scenes and artifacts showcase their fashion, makeup, talents, and social status.
- Xingyuan Garden: Celebrates new scholars passing their exams. The pavilions and gardens retain a strong cultural atmosphere.
Show Recommendations:
| Show Name | Time | Location | Why See It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tang Dynasty Welcome | 11:00 AM – 11:05 AM | Outside Yuyuan Gate | A short but spectacular show that sets the Tang Dynasty mood. |
| Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (check for changes) | Fengming Jiutian Theater | A must-see. Music, dancing, and costumes are stunning. Tells the story of the dynasty’s glory and romance. (Extra ticket required.) |
| Silk Road Music and Dance | Various times (check schedule) | Hutian Stage | Watch performers in exotic costumes dance and play music from the Silk Road. Great for cultural insight. |
| Lingbo Manyun | Various times (check schedule) | Bailong Lake Boardwalk | Elegant dance performance by the water. Looks like fairies dancing on the lake. |
Evening: Night View & Departure
- Night View: After “Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty,” stroll the lit-up paths to admire shimmering buildings and lakes. Ziyun Tower and Tang Ladies Museum are spectacular at night.
- Going Home: Around 8:30 PM, take Metro Line 4 back to the city. If still energetic, visit Muslim Street for Xi’an street food like Yangrou Paomo, Roujiamo, and Liangpi.
Final Thoughts
From the political power of Daming Palace to the cultural richness of The Datang Furong Garden, Xi’an shows two sides of the Tang Dynasty: one of romance and one of imperial logic. This guide helps you plan your trip and create unforgettable memories.
