Located northeast of present-day Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Daming Palace was the grand imperial palace complex of the Tang dynasty, serving as the residence for Tang emperors for over 220 years. Built on the Longshou Plateau starting in 634 as a summer retreat by Emperor Taizong for his father, it eventually became the main political center of the empire. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive sprawling area covers over 4,800 mu—making it 3.5 times more expansive than the Forbidden City.
When you explore the grounds today, you will follow a central axis spanning three main historical zones. You enter through the five-doorway Danfeng Gate into the outer court to view the elevated platform of Hanyuan Hall, where grand state ceremonies and foreign ambassador exchanges once took place. Continuing north, you reach the middle court's Xuanzheng Hall, where central imperial management unfolded, followed by the inner court's Zichen Hall.
You can also explore the reconstructed gardens around Taiye Pool featuring flowers like peonies and plums, see where banquets occurred at Linde Hall, or view the Taoist Sanqing Hall. Exhibition halls across the park showcase fascinating excavated relics discovered since initial excavations began in 1957.
What to see at Daming Palace
- Danfeng Gate, the grand southern entrance featuring five distinct doorways
- Hanyuan Hall platform, historic venue for state ceremonies and foreign ambassadors
- Taiye Pool, featuring recreated historical gardens of peonies, plums, and persimmons
- Linde Hall site, where imperial banquets, rites, and performances were held
- Exhibition halls located across the park displaying excavated Tang Dynasty relics
Visiting tips
Be sure to explore the various exhibition halls spread across the complex to inspect authentic excavated cultural relics from the site.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Daming Palace is easy to reach on Xi'an’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Terracotta Army and Chang'an. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Xi'an travel guide.
See the full Xi'an travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.