Daming Palace National Heritage Park

Frankly there’s not much to see here for tourists. I think they aim to develop this large area into a sort of Forbidden City based on historical records. But so far you can’t even enter the main building with the massive doors already built. Local people do come here to exercise and interestingly, sleep. There’s an upcoming running event where the organizers were handing out some T-shirts and promo stuff to people who have registered (I tried to register to get the commemorative shirt but the period to do so has ended, too bad). Anyway there are some leftover lantern festival floats and structures so maybe this is a place to visit during nighttime and during the lantern festival.

A huge park that used to be the Daming Palace complex but since those ancient buildings are long gone, now is mainly a nice place to take a walk and feed the ducks. No need to go out of your way to visit this park but if you do come here, there are some nice trails but be prepared to walk considerable distances (or take the internal tram but don't expect it to be cheap). A walking circuit of the park will likely take at least 2 hours. Pro-Tip: There are some beautiful murals on the wall of Daming Palace Subway Station that give a feel of the Silk Road days gone by. Worth a look

Short tour inside not as much as other palaces in China but the building is humongous and gracefully beautiful right in front is an open park and back has train station. Not far from city center.

I ventured into the sprawling expanse of Daming Palace National Heritage Park in Xi'an. I was stepping into a page from an ancient Chinese saga, where emperors once roamed and dynasties flourished. The park, a vast canvas of history and culture, beckoned me to uncover its secrets. The moment I passed through the grand entrance, the sheer scale of the park astounded me. It's a reconstruction of the Tang Dynasty's royal palace, once the heart of ancient Chang'an, and now a testament to its bygone splendor. The wide-open spaces, dotted with serene ponds and meticulously manicured gardens, vividly depict imperial grandeur. As I wandered, the historical significance of the site was palpable. The Taiye Pond, once the centerpiece of the palace, now reflects the sky, reflecting the legacy of a mighty past. The Hanyuan Hall, though a recreation, stood proudly, echoing the grandeur of imperial courts where emperors once held court. The tranquility of the park was its narrative. The soft rustling of leaves, the gentle hum of distant conversations, and the occasional bird song created a serene soundscape. This peace starkly contrasted with the city's hustle and bustle, offering a sanctuary to immerse in contemplation and awe. As the day progressed, the park transformed under the changing light. The sun's descent cast long shadows, making the palace ruins appear even more mystical. The play of light and shadow on the ancient walls and pathways animates the stories of those who once walked here. The park was not just a historical site but a cultural hub. I encountered artists capturing the beauty of the ruins, families enjoying picnics on the lush grass, and history enthusiasts exploring every nook and cranny. This blend of people from all walks of life added a vibrant layer to the experience. The Daming Palace National Heritage Park left an indelible impression on me as I went. It was a journey through time, a bridge connecting the present to the opulent era of the Tang Dynasty. This park was more than just a site to visit; it was a chapter of history that came to life, a memorable exploration of China's rich and majestic past.

The 3.5km² Tang Dynasty ruins' foundation stones show fire damage from 880 AD rebel attacks. Augmented reality glasses reconstruct the 11 gates' original vermilion paint. The Danfeng Gate's ramp grooves match historical records of 1,000-official morning assemblies.

Do not expect to see grand palaces like the Forbidden City. The site is huge, like many of the parks and scenic site in China so get the tram ride ticket with the entrance ticket. The ride around the palace ground will take about half an hour and what you will see is landscaped greenery where all the hundreds of building are supposed to be. There are a few structure and buildings that are built to give some representation. The IMAX show next to the ticketing area will provide a better understanding and visualisation of how grand the palace was during its time. There is an area in the park where they do a miniaturised of the whole palace complex which I thought is very interesting.

The maintenance of the guide equipments in the museum was not good, the monitors shows the wrong content and incorrect operation. It will be better if the administration of the museum take care of the issue more. The model of the ancient palace is elaborate, the sightseer can easily figure out the real scene in the ancient time.

The heritage park is based on the ancient palace in Tang dynasty. The field is quite huge and divided into two different areas. Tourists must buy tickets to see Daming palace heritage and visit the museum inside. The charge location is about the centra of the park. The other area outside the Daming palace heritage is free, people can do all kinds of activities over there. It took me about fifteen to twenty minutes to walke from Xi’an train station to here. Then I spent half day to search the park. Obviously, I didn’t have enough time for visiting the whole spot. So prepare your energy and time to explore here.