If your impression of Xi’an is still confined to the era of the Terracotta Army, you are missing out on the city’s most enchanting side. While the Terracotta Army belongs to the Qin Dynasty, the true character of Xi’an was, in large part, shaped by the Tang Dynasty—its broad avenues, an open and inclusive spirit, and lights that remain aglow long after nightfall all bear the echoes of Chang’an during the height of the Tang.
This guide will show you where the memories of the Tang Dynasty still linger in present-day Xi’an.
I. Memories of the Tang Dynasty
Shaanxi History Museum
If you could choose only one place to gain a tangible understanding of the Tang Dynasty, this would be the top pick. The museum’s collection—featuring Tang-era gold and silver ware, sancai (tri-colored glazed) ceramics, and murals (which require a separate ticket for the Tang Tomb Murals Hall)—is of an exceptionally high caliber. It allows you to see what authentic Tang artifacts actually looked like before you head off to visit "experiential" Tang-themed attractions.
How to visit: The permanent exhibition is free, but advance reservations are required—and they are in high demand.The Gallery of Tang Dynasty Murals requires a separate ticket, but it is worth the additional purchase if you are interested in murals from Tang-era tombs.
Photography and video recording are prohibited inside the Gallery of Tang Dynasty Mural Treasures.
"The Longest Day in Chang'an" Themed District
Based on the web series The Longest Day in Chang'an, this fully indoor, Tang-style immersive district encapsulates the daily life, entertainment, dining, and interactive experiences of Tang-dynasty Chang'an within a climate-controlled space. Rather than focusing on "authentic historical artifacts," it prioritizes an "authentic atmosphere"—with non-player characters (NPCs) moving through the streets, and activities like touhu (pitch-pot) games, poetry recitation, and live performances all included in a single admission ticket.
How to enjoy: Adult tickets are 68 RMB. There are various performances scheduled throughout the day, and the complex features shops where you can get styled—perfect if you’d like to achieve a "Tang Dynasty" look for your photos. It’s an especially great choice for summer days or rainy weather, as the entire experience takes place indoors.
Great Tang All Day City
An open-air, Tang Dynasty-themed pedestrian street, it stretches from the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the north to Kaiyuan Plaza in the south. The area is free to enter, requires no reservation, and remains open all day. Essentially an "urban public space themed around the flourishing Tang Dynasty," it features complimentary lighting displays, sculptures, and street performances, making it the most popular destination for nighttime visitors in Xi'an.
How to visit:
Take Metro Line 3 or 4 to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) Station and exit via Exit C. The best time to arrive is around 19:00.
Start by watching the musical fountain at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, then head south along the main street to catch two free interactive performances—the "Tang Dynasty Mystery Box" and the "Roly-Poly Lady." Cap off your visit by watching the immersive live-action performance, "Return to Chang'an."
Huaqing Palace
The Song of Everlasting Regret performance at Huaqing Palace centers on the story of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and his consort, Yang Guifei. Set against the natural backdrop of Mount Li, the production incorporates dance, period costumes, water-curtain projections, lighting, and music. Huaqing Palace itself stands on the site of a former Tang Dynasty imperial hot-spring retreat; as it is located in the Lintong area—the same direction as the Terracotta Army—the two sites can easily be visited together.
How to explore:
To learn about stories from the Tang Dynasty, you can visit the site of the Tang Imperial Hot Springs and Nine-Dragon Lake (Jiulong Lake), and catch a performance of "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (Chang Hen Ge) in the evening.
Admission tickets are 120 RMB during the peak season and 80 RMB during the off-peak season.
Tang Paradise
Reconstructed on the north side of the original Tang-dynasty Furong Garden site, this Tang-culture-themed park centers on three key attractions: Furong Lake, Ziyun Pavilion, and the Tang Poetry Gorge. It evokes the distinct "spatial atmosphere of an imperial garden"—standing atop Ziyun Pavilion and looking out over the lake offers a sense of scale that a museum simply cannot provide.
How to explore:
Start by exploring Tang Poetry Gorge and the Rosy Clouds Corridor (Caixia Gallery). Around 17:20, the entire park lights up, allowing you to take in both the sunset and the night scenery.
For the evening performances, you may choose one of the following: the "Dreaming of the Great Tang" water-curtain light show on the lake (20:00–20:50), the "Drums" performance featuring Xi'an drum music at Ziyun Tower (a live showcase of intangible cultural heritage), or the stage play "Dreaming Back to the Great Tang."
II. How to Weave Together Memories of the Tang Dynasty
Below are several travel itinerary options for Xi'an, designed to help you explore the city’s rich layers of history, including its Tang Dynasty legacy and beyond.
Route 1: Private Tour of the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace in Xi'an
In a single day, you can visit the Terracotta Army—dating back to China’s ancient Qin Dynasty—and explore the Huaqing Palace, where you can experience sites and performances from the Tang Dynasty.
Itinerary: Depart from the city → Terracotta Army → Lunch → Huaqing Palace → Return trip.
If you don’t mind returning late, you can watch "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" at Huaqing Palace.
Recommended Itinerary: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Palace Private Tour
Route 2: Classic 3-Day Xi'an Itinerary
A three-day journey connecting the Qin and Tang historical sites in Lintong with an immersive exploration of Tang Dynasty heritage—featuring the Shaanxi History Museum and an evening visit to the Tang Paradise.
journey:
Day 1: Terracotta Army — Huaqing Palace
Morning: Terracotta Army (Lishan Garden + Pits 1, 2, and 3). Afternoon: Huaqing Palace (site of the Tang Dynasty imperial hot spring baths and the Five-Room Hall). Evening: Optional viewing of the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (Chang Hen Ge) performance.
Day 2: Xi'an City Wall — Bell Tower and Drum Tower — Muslim Quarter or Yongxingfang — Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Morning: Ascend the City Wall at Yongning Gate (explore by foot or by renting a bicycle). Afterward, visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Midday: Enjoy local snacks at the Muslim Quarter or Yongxingfang. Evening: Head to the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to watch the fountain show, with the option to continue south to experience the nightscape of the "Grand Tang All Day City" (Da Tang Bu Ye Cheng).
Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum — Tang Paradise (Evening Visit)
Morning: Explore the Shaanxi History Museum, focusing on Tang Dynasty gold and silver artifacts and Tang Sancai (tri-colored glazed pottery). Evening: Visit Tang Paradise to enjoy the night scenery, featuring illuminated water displays and performances in the style of the Tang Dynasty.
Recommended Itinerary: Xi'an 3-Day Private Car Tour with Driver Service
Route 3: A Relaxed 4-Day Trip to Xi'an
A four-day itinerary that builds upon Route 2 by adding the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Qinling Four Treasures Park. This version offers a more relaxed pace, balancing explorations of Tang Dynasty heritage, the vibrant nightlife along the City Wall, and experiences in the natural world.
journey:
Day 1: Terracotta Army — Huaqing Palace
Morning: Terracotta Army (visit the Bronze Chariots and Horses at the Lishan Garden site first, then explore the three main excavation pits). Afternoon: Huaqing Palace (see the ruins of the Tang Dynasty imperial hot spring baths and the Five-Room Hall). Evening: Optional viewing of the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (Chang Hen Ge) performance.
Day 2: Xi’an City Wall — Bell and Drum Towers — Muslim Quarter — Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Morning: Cycling atop the City Wall. Afterward, visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Midday: Enjoy local snacks in the Muslim Quarter. Late afternoon: Visit the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda; in the evening, continue to the "Grand Tang All Day City" (Da Tang Bu Ye Cheng).
Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum — Small Wild Goose Pagoda — Grand Tang All Day City
Morning: Shaanxi History Museum. Afternoon: Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi’an Museum) to explore quieter Tang Dynasty relics. Evening: Immerse yourself in the Grand Tang All Day City, following this schedule: 19:00 – Water Dance Show; 19:20 – "Secret Box of the Prosperous Tang" (Sheng Tang Mi He); 19:45 – "Sword Song of Qinglian" (Qinglian Jian Ge); 20:00 – "Ten Performances of the Tang Court" (Shi Bu Ji).
Day 4: Qinling Four Treasures Park — Return to the City Center
Morning: Visit the Qinling Four Treasures Park to see giant pandas, crested ibises, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and takins. Afternoon: Return to the city center. Evening: Wrap up your trip with a visit to the bars in the Pomegranate Garden (Liu Yuan) or Pine Garden (Song Yuan) located at the foot of the City Wall.
Recommended Itinerary: Xi'an 4-Day Private Car Tour with Driver Service
