While attractions in Xian such as the ancient City Wall and Terracotta Army get a lot of the spotlight, there are other important sites to visit too including the amazing Daming Palace National Heritage Park; read on to find out more!
Planning Your Visit
This well-known site can be found in the northeast part of Xian; hotels located in the heart of the city centre near the South Gate of the City Wall such as Grand Park Xian are within a 20-minute drive / taxi ride away. Alternatively, one can take bus #262, 216 or 02 to the Tongjiaxiang stop or bus #16, 22, 46 or 209 to the Taihua Road stop and proceed from there. A fee is charged to access part of the park which has ruins and archaeological discoveries, while the other areas are open free to the public.
A Bit of History
The creation of Daming Palace dates to the Tang Dynasty when in 634, Emperor Taizong decreed the construction of a palace for his father, the former emperor, to reside in; however, his father, who was also the first emperor of the Tang Dynasty, passed away shortly after. Interestingly, the palace was renovated around 662 under the reign of Emperor Gaozong who added various buildings and gardens and fortified the area. Over the centuries this site went through more changes though the area was destroyed during a war in the latter part of the Tang Dynasty.
The Restoration
Following excavations made in and around Daming Palace, it was discovered that this site also featured a recreation area and a park. Subsequently, in 2007, the municipal committee of Xian as well as the government combined to launch a project to preserve the area and transform it into the Daming Palace National Heritage Park. It was opened to visitors in October 2010 and offered a truly enchanting space for locals and foreign tourists to explore and unwind.
What to Expect
Part of the park is home to ancient ruins and archaeological findings which give one an idea of what this site must have once been like. Structures and miniature models which showcase historical architecture can also be seen and add to the park’s charm. One of the key highlights is the water feature known as Taiye Pond and there are paths for walking and bridges here, while it’s an ideal spot for some birdwatching too. There are also places for dining and an auditorium along with trees that let you witness the beauty of plum blossoms and spring flowers during the season.