24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378

Email:

Your Location: Home > Xi'an Attractions > Daming Palace Site Park

Daming Palace Site Park

The Daming Palace was the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, located in its capital Chang'an.
Daming Palace national Heritage Park, Xi'an attraction

A Brief Introdution
The Daming Palace National Heritage Park was the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, located in its capital Chang'an in the Tang Dynasty. It served as the royal residence of the Tang emperors for more than 220 years. Today, it is designated as a national heritage site of China. The area is located northeast of present-day Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.

History & Background
The palace was originally known as Yong'an Palace, but was renamed to Daming Palace in 635 AD. 

In 662 AD, after renovations to the palace, it was renamed to Penglai Palace. 

In 670 AD, it was named to Hanyuan Palace or Yuan Palace. Eventually, in 701 AD, the name of the palace became Daming Palace again.

In 632, chancellor Ma Zhou charged that the retired Emperor Gaozu was living in Da'an Palace (???) to the west, which he considered an inhospitable place as it was built on low-lying lands of Chang'an that was plagued by dampness and heat during the summer. According to him, ever since Emperor Taizong moved to the countryside during the summers, his retired father was left behind in Chang'an to suffer in the summer heat. However, his father would always decline any invitation from Emperor Taizong to spend the summer together. Ever since the bloody palace coup of the Xuanwu Gate Incident in 626, it seemed that father and son had drifted apart to an extent that their relationship never healed.

Xian Private Day Tour Xian tours Daming Palace Site Park.jpg    Xian Private Tour Packages Xian Tours by train Xian attractions Xian Daming Palace Site Park

In 634, Emperor Taizong launched the construction of the Daming Palace at Longshou Plateau. He ordered the construction of the summer palace for his retired father, Emperor Gaozu, as an act of filial piety. However, Emperor Gaozu grew ill and never withnessed the palace's completion before his death in 635, and construction halted thereafter.

Empress Wu commissioned the court architect Yan Liben to design the palace in 660 and construction commenced once again in 662. In 663, the construction of the palace was completed under the reign of Emperor Gaozong. Emperor Gaozong had launched the extension of the palace with the construction of the Hanyuan Hall in 662, which was finished in 663. On 5 June 663, the imperial family began to relocate from the Taiji Palace into the yet to be completed Daming Palace, which became the new seat of the imperial court and political center of the empire.

Layout & Function
Daming Palace Site was the grandest and most significant palace complex in Xi'an (then Chang'an) during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) where several Tang emperors lived, managed state affairs and met with officials. 

Daming Palace (?????) was the grandest and most significant palace complex in Xi'an

Outer court
After passing through the Danfeng Gate, there is a square of 630 meters long with at the end the Hanyuan Hall. The Hanyuan Hall was connected to pavilions by corridors, namely the Xiangluan Pavilion in the east and the Qifeng Pavilion in the west. The pavilions were composed of three outward-extending sections of the same shape but different size that were connected by corridors. The elevated platform of the Hanyuan Hall is approximately 15 meters high, 200 meters wide, and 100 meters long. The Hanyuan Hall, where many state ceremonies were conducted, would serve as the main hall for hosting foreign ambassadors during diplomatic exchanges.

Middle court
The Xuanzheng Hall is located at a distance of about 300 meters north of the Hanyuan Hall. State affairs were usually conducted in this hall. The office of the secretariat was located to the west of the Xuanzheng Hall and the office of the chancellery was located to the east. From this area, the department of state affairs, the chancellery, and the secretariat handled the central management of the Tang empire, which was done in a system with Three Departments and Six Ministries.

Daming Palace was the grandest and most significant palace complex in Xi'an1

Inner court
The Zichen Hall, located in the inner court, is approximately 95 meters north of the Xuanzheng Hall. It housed the central government offices. For officials, it was considered a great honor to be summoned to the Zichen Hall. The Taiye Pool, also known as the Penglai Pool, is north of the Zichen Hall. It expanded over 240 mu (40 acres or 0.16 km2) and an island representing the mythical land of Penglai was built within it. The former gardens that surround the pond and island have been recreated, based on the historical record, with peony, chrysanthemum, plum, rose, bamboo, almond, peach, and persimmon gardens.

Daming Palace (?????) was the grandest and most significant palace complex in Xi'an2

Border
The area around the palace complex grounds is currently planted with locust trees, willows, flowers, and bushes on all sides.

Information
Location: Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province
Opening Hours: 7:30  – 18:00
Admission Fee: CNY 60
Tel: +86-29-86708192

How to get there:
1. Bus 2, 216, 262 to Tongjia Lane;
2. Bus 16, 17, 22, 38, 46, 104, 209, 801 to Taihua Road

Questions & Answers or Review
* Full Name
* E-mail
* Title of your review
* Your review
 

The following Diverse Xian Tours & Packages may also interest you!

Duration:6-8 hours

Attractions(Cities):Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter

Tour Style:If you're short on time but eager to experience Xi'an, our Xi'an private tour is the perfect solution. This all-inclusive one-day tour includes visits to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll marvel at thousands of life-sized statues. You’ll also explore the Bell Tower, a historic landmark offering panoramic views of the city, and stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, sampling local delicacies and experiencing vibrant cultural blends. With hotel pickup, a professional guide, comfortable transport, and all entrance fees included, this Xi'an private tour offers a seamless and enriching experience, allowing you to uncover the best of Xi'an’s rich history and culture.

View Details
From $87 p/p

Duration:6-8 hours

Attractions(Cities):Xi'an Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter

Tour Style:This Xian city tour offers an immersive journey into the rich history and culture of this ancient city. Begin your day at the Shaanxi History Museum, where you'll explore China's long-standing civilization through its precious artifacts. Next, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to experience the deep roots of Buddhist culture. At the Xi'an Great Mosque, marvel at the unique Islamic architectural artistry. Finally, stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you'll savor the diverse flavors of Xi'an's food culture. This tour provides not only cultural enrichment but also exceptional service to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.

View Details
From $78 p/p

Duration:4-5 Hours

Attractions(Cities):Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter

Tour Style:Experience the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army with our exclusive Xi'an Terracotta tour. Skip the crowds and enjoy a personalized exploration of this world-famous site, one of the "Eight Wonders of the World," with a knowledgeable local guide. With flexible pacing, you’ll have ample time to marvel at over 8,000 life-sized figures guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This tailored tour includes convenient city transportation, entrance fees, and expert guidance, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience. Dive deep into the history, culture, and fascinating stories of the Terracotta Warriors, uncovering the legacy of this remarkable archaeological treasure in Xi'an.

View Details
From $65 p/p

Duration:8-9 hours

Attractions(Cities):Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes

Tour Style:Experience a captivating day with our Xi'an to Luoyang Day Tour, where history and culture seamlessly blend. Start your journey with a comfortable high-speed train ride from Xi'an to Luoyang. First, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and legendary Shaolin Kungfu, with insightful commentary from our expert guide. Next, be awe-struck by the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunningly detailed carvings. This thoughtfully curated Xi'an to Luoyang Day Tour ensures a smooth, engaging, and unforgettable exploration of China’s cultural masterpieces, providing deep insights into the country’s ancient traditions.

View Details
From $135 p/p

Duration:8 hours

Attractions(Cities):Mt Huashan

Tour Style:Embark on an unforgettable Xi'an to Huashan Day Trip Tour, visiting one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. With your expert guide, you’ll follow the most efficient route to explore the breathtaking beauty of Huashan, including stunning sunrise and sunset views, a sea of clouds, and majestic mountain scenery that has captivated visitors for centuries. Along the way, you’ll visit key sites that offer insights into Taoism, ancient Chinese culture, and the mountain’s rich history. This all-inclusive tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private car service with a professional driver, expert guidance, and entrance fees, ensuring a smooth, enriching experience and a deep connection with this iconic destination.

View Details
From $105 p/p

Live Chat

Share to

Certificate of Excellence
2012 ~ 2025

Tripadvisor

Your Way Holiday

Your Idea of Your Trip
Adults:
(> 11 years old)
Children:
(2 - 11 years old)
Babies:
(< 2 years old)
Date of trip
Hotel Class
Any specific requests/interests?
Contact Information

(Your Privacy is Protected)

Full Name: *
E-mail: *
Your Age: *
Nationality: *
Online Chat ID: *
Leave your online Chat ID here. We will get in touch with you within 10 minutes.
Submit
Tailor-Made

1 to 1 tailor-made service from our professional travel advisors for the most sophisticated

Authentic

Constantly excellent reviews for attraction, hotel and service Competitive price

Value Guarantee

Local experts provide quality tours Best selected knowledgeable local guides Authentic local restaurants

Stress-free Guaranteed

7*24 hours available to create you a worry-free tour. No Hidden Fees and absolutely no pressure to buy. Secured

Who choose us

Copyright © 2017 www.xianprivatetour.com All rights reserved.  浙ICP备18056007号-6

WhatsApp
Wechat
Skype
To Top