Is the Daming Palace worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly worth it for history enthusiasts. While much of the palace is in ruins, the scale of the park and the reconstructed Danfeng Gate provide a unique perspective on Tang Dynasty grandeur that you won't find in the city center.

What is the best time of day for this walking route?

Morning is best. The Daming Palace park is very open with little shade, so starting early helps you avoid the heat. Late afternoon is also beautiful for sunset views from the City Wall.

Can I bike this route?

You can bike on top of the City Wall itself, but the walk from the Railway Station through Daming Palace is best done on foot to appreciate the archaeological sites.

Is this walk suitable for children?

Yes, it is family-friendly. The Daming Palace park is a vast open space where children can run safely, and the City Wall is always a hit with kids.

Are there places to eat along the way?

Taihua South Road has many local eateries and small restaurants. For more familiar options, the area around the Railway Station and the North Gate metro station has various cafes.

Is the route accessible for strollers?

The ground is mostly paved and flat. However, getting onto the City Wall may require using a specific ramp or elevator, which are located at the major gates like Anyuanmen.

What is the difference between the Tang and Ming walls?

The Tang walls were much larger and enclosed a city of 1 million people, while the Ming walls (which you see today) are smaller, thicker, and built primarily for military defense using bricks and rammed earth.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the layers of China's imperial past with this self-guided walk through the northern reaches of Xi'an. The 'Great Gate Hunt' is more than just a neighborhood stroll; it is a journey across centuries, bridging the gap between the monumental Tang Dynasty and the fortified Ming Dynasty. Your exploration begins at the bustling Xi'an Railway Station, a unique location where modern transit meets ancient architecture. From here, you will venture into the vast expanse of the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, once the most magnificent palace complex in the world, often referred to as the 'Palace of Great Brilliance.' As you navigate this walking route, you will experience the sheer scale of the Danfeng Gate and the open-air archaeological wonders that define the Xincheng District. This route is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of history and urban life, offering a quieter perspective of the city compared to the crowded central tourist zones. You will learn how Xi'an transitioned from the sprawling capital of the Silk Road to a heavily guarded Ming-era stronghold. The path takes you through Taihua South Road, providing a glimpse into the local pace of life before approaching the formidable Ancient City Wall. Whether you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, this self-guided adventure allows you to discover at your own pace. You will stand before the massive gates that once welcomed foreign envoys and guarded the emperor, gaining a profound understanding of why Xi'an remains one of the most significant historical cities in the world. While many visitors only see the city center, this walking tour Xian provides the context needed to appreciate the grand defensive strategy of the north. This neighborhood stroll concludes at the iconic fortifications, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the engineering marvels of ancient China. By choosing this independent travel experience, you avoid the constraints of a traditional guided tour Xian and instead immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city's northern gates.

Highlights

Marvel at the scale of the Danfeng Gate at Daming Palace

Explore the unique intersection of modern rail and ancient walls at the Railway Station

Walk the expansive grounds of the Tang Dynasty's center of power

See the massive Ming Dynasty fortifications from a local perspective

Discover hidden archaeological gems in the Xincheng District

Experience the tranquil atmosphere of the northern city wall stretch

Tour Stops (5)

Xi'an Railway Station Xi'an Branch

Welcome to the starting point of your self-guided walk. The Xi'an Railway Station is one of the few places in the world where you can see a high-speed transit hub built in such proximity to a 14th-century defensive wall. This location serves as the gateway between the old city and the new. Look up at the battlements that loom over the station square; these were built during the Ming Dynasty, but the area has been a focal point for travelers for over a millennium. This station marks the northern boundary of the Ming-era city, and it is from here that we begin our hunt for the great gates that defined the capital's security and prestige.

Daming Palace

A short walk north brings you to the Daming Palace National Heritage Park. This was the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, serving as the royal residence for over 200 years. It was roughly 4.5 times the size of the Forbidden City in Beijing. As you explore, focus on the Danfeng Gate, the 'Gate of the Vermilion Phoenix.' This was the main entrance where the most important state ceremonies were held. Though the original wooden structures are gone, the massive scale of the foundations and the modern reconstructions give you a sense of the 'Palace of Great Brilliance' that once stunned Silk Road merchants and foreign ambassadors.

Taihua South Road

Walking along Taihua South Road, you are moving through the heart of the Xincheng District. This area provides a fascinating contrast to the manicured palace grounds. Observe the local vendors and the everyday hustle of Xi'an residents. This road essentially follows the eastern boundary of the Daming Palace site. It serves as a connector between the ancient Tang heritage and the Ming fortifications you are about to see. This stretch of the route allows you to see how the city has grown around its history, with modern apartments and businesses standing on ground that was once the exclusive domain of the imperial court.

Ancient City Wall

You are now approaching the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an, one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Built on the foundations of the earlier Tang Dynasty walls, the structure you see today dates primarily to the Ming Dynasty in the 1300s. It stands 12 meters high and is 12 to 14 meters wide at the top—wide enough to drive a carriage or, in modern times, ride a bicycle. The wall forms a complete rectangle around the city center. From this northern vantage point, you can appreciate the defensive moats and the watchtowers that were designed to protect the Ming capital from northern invaders.

Xi'an Wall Yongningmen (North Gate)

Your journey concludes at the North Gate, historically known as Anyuanmen. While the South Gate (Yongningmen) is often more famous for its welcome ceremonies, the North Gate was traditionally the entrance for those arriving from the northern frontier. The name 'Anyuan' translates to 'Pacifying the Faraway,' reflecting the gate's role in the empire's northern defense strategy. This structure is a masterpiece of military architecture, featuring a complex system of archery towers and an 'enclosure wall' (barbican) designed to trap enemies. Stand here and imagine the caravans and military messengers who once passed through these heavy gates to seek audience with the Emperor.

Frequently Asked Questions