How long does it take to walk through Dahua 1935?

Exploring the main galleries and architectural highlights of Dahua 1935 typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. If you stop for coffee or visit the boutique hotel, allow for an extra 30 minutes to fully soak in the atmosphere.

Is Dahua 1935 worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly worth visiting for fans of architecture and contemporary art. It offers a unique 'hidden-gem' experience that provides a stark contrast to the ancient temples and walls found elsewhere in Xi'an.

Can I see the Terracotta Army and Dahua 1935 on the same day?

Yes, it is possible if you start early. You can spend the morning at the Mausoleum in Lintong and the afternoon exploring the art district and Daming Palace as you head back toward the city center.

What is the best time to visit the Kaiyuan Mall viewpoint?

The best time is just before sunset. This allows you to see the Bell Tower in daylight and then watch as the ancient structure and the surrounding city streets light up for the night.

Is Daming Palace National Heritage Park free?

The general park grounds are free to enter and are popular with locals for flying kites and exercising. However, specific archaeological zones and the indoor museum sections require a paid ticket.

How far is Dahua 1935 from the city center?

Dahua 1935 is located about 4 kilometers north of the Bell Tower. It is easily accessible via a short taxi ride or by taking the metro to the nearby Daming Palace station.

Is the industrial district family-friendly?

Absolutely. The wide, car-free spaces of Dahua 1935 and the sprawling lawns of Daming Palace make it an excellent choice for families with children who need space to run.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Xi'an is a city where layers of history are stacked like the bricks of its ancient walls. While most visitors flock to the terracotta warriors, this self-guided walk invites you to explore a different kind of history: the industrial rebirth of the Xincheng District. This route traces the evolution of Xi'an from its imperial zenith to its 20th-century industrial boom and its modern-day status as a hub for contemporary art and design. You will begin in the south, exploring the refined aesthetics of the Qujiang Art Museum, before moving through the heart of the city at the Kaiyuan Shopping Mall, which offers an unrivaled perspective on the ancient Bell Tower. As you head north, the scale of the city's ambition becomes clear at the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, the former residence of Tang Dynasty emperors. The heart of this neighborhood stroll is Dahua 1935, a sprawling cultural district housed in what was once the Northwest's first modern cotton mill. Here, the raw, red-brick architecture of the 1930s has been repurposed into galleries, theaters, and cafes, offering a window into the city's creative soul. The journey concludes with a thematic leap to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, connecting the industrial precision of the 20th century with the mass-production marvels of the ancient world. This walking route Xian offers is perfect for those who want to see the city beyond the traditional tourist trail, blending architecture, art, and hidden-gems into a single, cohesive narrative of transformation. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The industrial-chic aesthetic of the repurposed Dahua Cotton Mill

Panoramic views of the Bell Tower from the Kaiyuan observation deck

The vast archaeological site of the Tang-era Daming Palace

Contemporary jade collections at the Qujiang Art Museum

The boutique design of the repurposed Dahua industrial hotel

A thematic visit to the world-famous Terracotta Army

Tour Stops (6)

Xi'an Qujiang Art Museum

Start exploring with Zigway at this hidden gem located beneath the Westin Hotel. The Qujiang Art Museum is renowned for its incredible collection of ancient Chinese jade and mural art. As you wander through the quiet, dimly lit galleries, you’ll notice a stark contrast between the intricate craftsmanship of the Tang and Ming dynasties and the modern, minimalist architecture of the museum itself. This stop sets the stage for our theme of transformation, showing how Xi'an preserves its ancient treasures within cutting-edge contemporary spaces. Look for the golden jade artifacts, which are among the finest in the country. Note that exhibits may change, so focus on the permanent collection of mural paintings that provide a rare glimpse into the daily life of ancient Chinese nobility.

Kaiyuan Shopping Mall

While it might seem like a standard department store, Kaiyuan Shopping Mall holds a secret that makes it a favorite for local photographers. Head to the outdoor viewing platform on the upper floors. From here, you are treated to the most iconic view in Xi'an: the 14th-century Bell Tower standing at the center of the city's crossroads. This vantage point perfectly captures the intersection of the old and new. The surrounding area has been a commercial hub for centuries, and seeing the ancient tower framed by modern neon signs and high-end retail brands highlights the city's relentless pace of change. It is an ideal spot for a quick photo break before we head toward the industrial north.

Daming Palace National Heritage Park

Welcome to the 'Palace of Great Brightness.' This site was once the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, serving as the royal residence for over 220 years. The park is vast—nearly four times the size of the Forbidden City in Beijing. As you walk through the Danfeng Gate area, try to imagine the sheer scale of the wooden halls that once stood here. Today, the park serves as a massive green lung for the city and a site of ongoing archaeological discovery. The minimalist reconstructions and archaeological pits offer a unique architectural perspective, focusing on the footprints of the past rather than recreated replicas. It is a peaceful transition from the busy city center to the industrial heritage sites nearby.

Dahua 1935

This is the heart of our industrial rebirth theme. Dahua 1935 was originally the Dahua Cotton Mill, established in 1935 as the first modern textile factory in the Northwest. During the mid-20th century, it was the lifeblood of this neighborhood. After decades of decline, the factory has been transformed into a vibrant art and cultural district. As you explore the site, notice how the original sawtooth roofs, high ceilings, and exposed brickwork have been preserved. These spaces now house contemporary art galleries, indie theaters, and artisanal cafes. The street art and temporary installations here are constantly changing, so there is always something new to discover. It is a prime example of adaptive reuse, where the grit of the industrial age meets the creativity of the 21st century.

Dahua 1935 Boutique Hotel

Just a short walk within the district, this hotel is an architectural masterpiece of the area. It occupies what were once the boiler rooms and warehouses of the cotton mill. The design team kept the industrial essence—massive steel beams, weathered brick walls, and concrete floors—but softened them with luxury finishes and greenery. It’s a great place to stop and appreciate how the 'industrial' look has become a status symbol of modern design. Even if you aren't staying here, the lobby and public areas often feature design-led displays that celebrate the building's history as a place of production. It serves as a bridge between the district's blue-collar past and its high-end future.

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

To conclude this self-guided adventure, we look at the ultimate example of ancient mass production. While located a distance from the city center, the Terracotta Army represents an 'industrial' feat achieved over 2,000 years ago. Thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots were manufactured with standardized parts but unique facial features—a staggering display of logistics and craftsmanship. This site connects back to Dahua 1935 through the concept of large-scale production and human labor. As you stand before the pits, consider that this was the world's first true 'factory' line, dedicated to the eternal protection of an emperor. It is the perfect final stop to reflect on Xi'an’s long history of building, making, and reinventing itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best route focuses on the industrial heritage of Dahua 1935 and the imperial scale of Daming Palace. This self-guided walk connects these two major landmarks, allowing you to see the city's transition from the Tang Dynasty to the industrial 1930s.