Hello, I’m Mike Wang, a China travel expert with over 20 years of experience. During these two decades, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. Apart from natural scenery, I am also very passionate about exploring history and culture.This guide leads you to Datang Furong Garden in Xi’an, a grand garden showing Tang Dynasty culture in China. I’ll share its history, beautiful natural scenery, and travel tips to help you plan a great visit.
Introduction
Tang Paradise, a well-known cultural theme park, was built based on historical records of Tang Dynasty gardens and opened to the public in 2005. It aims to recreate the grand scenery and rich cultural atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), a brilliant golden age in Chinese history.Situated in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, in China—the former capital of the Tang Dynasty—it covers an area of about 1,000 mu (around 165 acres), making it one of the largest Tang-style gardens in the country. Though it’s a modern reconstruction, it vividly presents the elegance of ancient Tang gardens.
Inside, there are Tang-style palaces, pavilions and lakes. The main buildings, with bright colors and delicate carvings, show typical Tang architectural styles. Regular activities like Tang music performances and costume parades let visitors experience the culture of that era.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
Low Season (December – February): 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)
Peak Season (March – November): 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:30 PM)
Ticket Prices:
General Admission: 120 RMB (approx. $17 USD). Online booking is often 108 RMB.
Concession Ticket: 60 RMB (for students with valid international student ID, seniors 65+ with passport).
Free Entry: Children under 1.2m (3.9 ft), active military personnel, disabled visitors.
Special Offer: From June 21st to September 30th, entering before 12:00 PM (noon) costs only 68 RMB.
Purchasing Tickets & Payment:
- Online Booking (Highly Recommended): Book via the official WeChat account (“大唐芙蓉园”) or travel apps like Ctrip/Trip.com. You’ll get a QR code for entry.
- On-site Purchase: Tickets can be bought at the ticket windows. Cash (RMB) is accepted, but mobile pay (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is very common and convenient. Foreign credit cards are rarely accepted at ticket windows.
- Bring Your Passport: You’ll need it for ID verification, especially if you purchase concession tickets or are eligible for free entry.
Main Scenic Areas & Attractions
Ziyun Tower
Built in the style of the Tang Dynasty, it was a place for emperors to enjoy performances during that time. The original Ziyun Tower in the Tang Dynasty was where Emperor Xuanzong would come to watch shows during grand events. The current tower, with its magnificent architecture, gives you a taste of the grandeur of the imperial era.
Ladies’ Hall (Shinüguan)
This area showcases the life and status of women in the Tang Dynasty, a relatively open period when women had more freedom. It features exhibits and displays that tell stories of famous Tang – Dynasty ladies and their influence on society.
Royal Banquet Palace (Yuyan Palace)
In ancient times, it was where emperors held grand banquets for important guests. You can imagine the luxurious feasts and the lively atmosphere of those royal events while visiting.
Transportation
If you arrive in Xi’an:
🚌By Bus: You can take buses that stop at the Tang Paradise station. After getting off, it’s just a 5 – minute walk to the park entrance.
🚇By Subway: Take the subway to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda station. Then, you can either walk or transfer to a bus to reach Tang Paradise.
🚕By Taxi: A taxi ride directly to Tang Paradise usually takes about 30 minutes.
Experience & Activities
Cultural Performances:
The Bell Tower and the nearby Drum Offer traditional classical music and bell performance at scheduled times throughout the day (usually on the hour). Check the schedule at the entrance.
Night Views & Photography:
The tower is beautifully illuminated after dark. For the best photos:
From the open-air square around the tower.
From the viewing platform on the 5th floor of the Kaiyuan Shopping Mall (开元商城) opposite – this is a popular free spot.
Combo Visit with Drum Tower:
The Drum Tower is just 200 meters away. Buying the combo ticket is better value. You can watch the drumming表演 (performance) there.
How to Book Activities: Performances are included with your entry ticket. No separate booking is needed; just check the performance times upon arrival.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
Dress Code: Since it’s a place that showcases traditional Chinese culture, it’s polite to dress neatly. Avoid overly revealing or casual beach – style clothing.
Respect the Environment: Keep the park clean by disposing of trash in designated bins. Do not touch or damage the cultural exhibits and historical – style buildings.
Food
The area around the Bell Tower is a fantastic food hub, famous for its Muslim Quarter (回民街).
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street): A few hundred meters north of the Bell Tower. A maze of streets packed with food stalls and restaurants. Must-tries include: Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)、Yangrou Paomo (mutton stew with torn flatbread)、Cold Noodles、Persimmon Cakes
Traditional Restaurants: Look for famous old brands like Tongshengxiang (同盛祥) and Defachang (德发长) near the Bell Tower Square for quality local dishes like dumpling banquets and lamb.
Q&A
Q: Do I need to bring my ID card for the free admission reservation?
A: Yes, you must bring your valid ID card as you will need to scan it at the entrance for verification.
Q: Can I bring food and drinks into the park?
A: Small amounts of sealed food and drinks are usually allowed, but it’s best to consume them in designated areas to keep the park clean.
Q: Are there guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, you can hire an English – speaking tour guide at the park’s information center. There may also be audio – guide services in English available for rent.
Q: What should I do if I lose something in the park?
A: Report it to the nearest park staff or the lost – and – found office, which is usually located near the main entrance.
Q: Are there wheelchair – accessible facilities in the park?
A: Yes, Tang Paradise has wheelchair – accessible paths and most of the main attractions are accessible for wheelchair users. You can also inquire at the entrance about renting a wheelchair if needed.
Mike Wang
Mike Wang is a 40-something Chinese travel expert, has explored the world,
hosting numerous foreign visitors. He’s deeply interested in and knowledgeable
about ancient cultural architectures, enriching journeys with his insights.