1. Historical & Cultural Significance
The Great Tang All-Day Mall (大唐不夜城, Dà Táng Bù Yè Chéng) is a modern recreation of Chang’an, the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) capital and the world’s largest city at its peak. Designed by architect Zhang Jinqiu, it opened in 2009 and was upgraded in 2018 to a 5A-rated tourist zone, blending history, commerce, and entertainment.
2. Layout & Key Attractions
- Length: 1.5 km (north-south), 480 m (east-west), spanning 967 acres.
- Four Grand Squares:
- Xuanzang Square: Honors the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, with a statue facing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
- Zhen’guan Square: Features the "Zhen’guan Reign" monument—a 12.95-m-tall sculpture of Emperor Taizong on horseback.
- Kaiyuan Square: Dominated by the "Kaiyuan Prosperity" sculpture group (78 figures) and 8 LED-lit dragon pillars (20 m tall).
- Chuangling New Era Square: Modern art installations.
- Cultural Venues:
- Xi’an Concert Hall, Shaanxi Grand Theatre, Xi’an Art Museum, and Qujiang Cinema.
3. Immersive Experiences
- Performances: Nightly shows like:
- "Dancing in Flowing Clothes": A Tang-style dance inspired by Yang Guifei.
- "The Unparalleled Beauty": Interactive "Dumpling Girl" performances.
- "The Answer from the Tang Dynasty": A comedy Q&A with historical figures.
- Light Displays: Over 10,000 LED lights illuminate Tang-style buildings, creating a "no-night" spectacle.
- Hanfu Culture: Visitors rent Tang-era costumes for photoshoots.
4. Tourism & Practical Info
- Hours: 24/7 free access; performances run 7–10 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings for lights and shows; spring/autumn for mild weather.
- Nearby Attractions: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (500 m north), Tang Paradise (1 km east).
5. Global Recognition
- Awards:
- 2020 ITIA Gold Award for "Best Historical Tourism Project" and "Best Night Tourism Project".
- 2022 National "Night Culture & Tourism" Demonstration Zone.
- Visitor Stats: Over 100 million annual visitors, ranking among China’s top 3 pedestrian streets.
The Great Tang All-Day Mall is more than a tourist spot—it’s a living museum of Tang culture, where history meets modern innovation.