As night falls over Xi’an, this ancient imperial capital sheds its daytime solemnity and transforms into a dazzling recreation of the Tang Dynasty’s golden age at Datang Everbright City. Nestled in Qujiang New District and anchored by the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, this 1,500-meter-long, 500-meter-wide pedestrian street seamlessly blends shopping, fine dining, live entertainment and cultural experiences into an unforgettable immersive journey. Every corner exudes the grandeur of ancient Chang’an, from elegantly robed Tang-style ladies gliding past to melodious traditional music that lingers in the crisp evening air.
Basic Information About Datang Everbright City
Datang Everbright City
Datang Everbright City welcomes visitors with free admission all day, every day—no tickets are required to explore the main pedestrian district. However, certain exclusive performances and immersive cultural experiences within the area require separate tickets, all priced in RMB, allowing you to customize your visit based on your interests and budget. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, a photography buff or just looking for a unique night out, Datang Everbright City has something for everyone.
The absolute best time to visit is between 19:00 and 23:00 daily. During these hours, the entire district comes alive with millions of twinkling lights that turn the streets into a magical wonderland. This is also when all the signature performances take place, giving you the full, immersive experience of Tang Dynasty prosperity and romance that has made Datang Everbright City one of China’s most popular tourist destinations. Arriving 30 minutes before the lights turn on will let you watch the district transform from a quiet daytime street into a glittering imperial city.
Must-See Signature Performances
The Tumbler Lady Performance: Undoubtedly the most famous and beloved show at Datang Everbright City, this viral performance features talented performers dressed in elaborate, flowing Tang Dynasty costumes with intricate hairpieces and makeup. Balancing gracefully on specially designed wooden tumbler bases, they twirl, sway and reach out to gently touch visitors’ hands, creating magical, Instagram-worthy moments that have captivated millions around the world. Shows run daily at 19:30, 20:30, 21:30 and 22:30, each lasting approximately 10 minutes, and take place on the east side of Kaiyuan Square. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot, as this performance draws massive crowds of all ages.
The Stone Man Performance: A hilarious and interactive street performance that never fails to delight visitors of all ages. Performers are completely disguised as lifelike gray stone statues, standing perfectly still for minutes on end and blending seamlessly with the surrounding sculptures. When unsuspecting visitors get close enough to take photos or touch them, they suddenly spring to life with comical gestures, playful winks and silly poses, leaving everyone laughing and cheering. This continuous performance runs from 19:00 to 23:00 daily, located just south of The Zhenguan Reign Sculpture Cluster, and it’s especially fun for children.
Datang Everbright City
Dunhuang Flying Apsaras Performance: A breathtaking aerial performance that brings the iconic 1,000-year-old Dunhuang cave paintings to vivid life. Dressed in ethereal, flowing silk costumes inspired by the legendary flying apsaras—celestial beings from Buddhist mythology—performers glide through the air with graceful, weightless movements, their long sleeves trailing behind them like clouds. Each 10-minute show is a feast for the eyes, set to hauntingly beautiful traditional Chinese music, with daily performances at 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00 on the west side of Kaiyuan Square.
Return to Chang’an Live Show: A grand, large-scale outdoor performance that tells the epic story of Chang’an’s golden age during the Tang Dynasty. Combining state-of-the-art lighting effects, sweeping traditional music, elaborate period costumes and powerful ensemble dance numbers, this show transports audiences back 1,300 years to experience the prosperity, artistry and cultural brilliance of ancient China’s most glorious era. The show takes place daily at 21:00 at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and it’s the perfect centerpiece for your evening visit.
Musical Fountain Show: Located at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, this is the largest musical fountain in Asia, featuring over 1,000 water jets and 2,000 lights. The jets dance in perfect synchronization with a mix of classical Chinese melodies and contemporary instrumental music, creating spectacular patterns and heights that reach up to 60 meters. Illuminated by vibrant, changing colors after dark, the fountain show is a mesmerizing spectacle that looks especially stunning against the backdrop of the lit-up Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Shows run daily at 12:00, 16:00, 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00, each lasting approximately 20 minutes.
Top Instagram-Worthy Spots
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: The undisputed symbol of Xi’an and the beating heart of Datang Everbright City. Originally built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang, this seven-story brick pagoda stands 64 meters tall and has stood the test of time for over 1,300 years. Illuminated by thousands of warm golden lights after dark, it casts a majestic silhouette against the night sky, making it the most popular photo spot in the entire district. For the most iconic shots, head to the central platform in the North Square or the pedestrian bridge over the fountain to capture the pagoda with the dancing water jets in the foreground.
Kaiyuan Square: The central plaza of Datang Everbright City, named after the Kaiyuan Reign (713-741 AD)—the peak of Tang Dynasty prosperity under Emperor Xuanzong. The square is dominated by a towering 12-meter-tall statue of Emperor Xuanzong, surrounded by intricate bronze sculptures depicting Tang Dynasty court musicians, dancers, scholars and foreign envoys, all beautifully lit at night. The square is also the main venue for many of the district’s most popular performances, and it’s the perfect place to people-watch and soak in the lively atmosphere.
The Zhenguan Reign Sculpture Cluster: A magnificent collection of 25 life-sized bronze sculptures that celebrates the Zhenguan Reign (627-649 AD) of Emperor Taizong, widely regarded as one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history. The sculptures depict key moments and figures from this era of unprecedented peace, prosperity and cultural advancement, including Emperor Taizong himself, his loyal ministers, famous generals and ordinary people going about their daily lives. The attention to detail is extraordinary, with each sculpture telling a unique story of the Tang Dynasty’s greatness.
Datang Everbright City Light Tunnel: A magical 50-meter-long tunnel made up of over 10,000 colorful LED lights that change colors and patterns continuously. Walking through this tunnel feels like stepping into a dreamlike starry sky or a portal to another world, with lights swirling around you and reflecting off the polished floor. It’s one of the most romantic spots in the district and perfect for taking stunning photos and videos. The tunnel is located near the southern end of the pedestrian street, and it’s especially beautiful when visited after 20:00 when all the lights are at their brightest.
Tang Ritual Square: A beautifully designed themed area dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich ritual and etiquette culture of the Tang Dynasty. The entire area is built in authentic Tang Dynasty architectural style, with traditional wooden buildings, red lacquered pillars, curved tiled roofs and elegant courtyards. Here, you can watch live demonstrations of ancient Tang wedding ceremonies, coming-of-age rituals and court etiquette, try on traditional Tang costumes for photos, and participate in cultural activities such as calligraphy, tea ceremony and traditional guzheng music performances.
Delicious Food to Try at Datang Everbright City
No visit to Datang Everbright City would be complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine that has made Shaanxi Province famous. The district is home to hundreds of restaurants, food stalls and cafes offering everything from authentic street food that has been enjoyed for centuries to modern fusion dishes and international cuisine. Whether you’re craving savory snacks, hearty noodles or sweet treats, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds here.
Authentic Shaanxi Street Food
- Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Often called the world’s first hamburger, roujiamo is Shaanxi’s most iconic street food and a must-try for any visitor. It consists of a crispy, flaky baked flatbread that is split open and stuffed with tender, slow-cooked pork belly that has been braised for hours in a rich sauce of soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, ginger and other aromatic spices. The combination of the crispy, buttery bread and the juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat is absolutely irresistible, and it’s the perfect portable snack while exploring the district.
- Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Soup with Crumbled Flatbread): A classic Shaanxi comfort food that dates back over 1,000 years. To make this dish, you first tear a piece of unleavened flatbread into small, bite-sized pieces, which are then simmered in a rich, flavorful lamb broth along with tender slices of lamb, glass noodles, green onions and cilantro. The result is a warm, hearty and deeply satisfying soup that is perfect for cool Xi’an evenings. Many restaurants in the district let you tear the bread yourself for an authentic, hands-on experience.
- Liangpi (Cold Noodles): A refreshing and incredibly popular summer dish that is loved by locals and tourists alike. Made from wheat or rice flour that is steamed into thin sheets and then cut into strips, these chewy noodles are served cold with a tangy, spicy sauce made from black vinegar, chili oil, garlic, sesame paste and soy sauce. Topped with shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro, liangpi is light, zesty and packed with flavor—ideal for cooling down on a hot day.
- Biangbiang Noodles: Named after the loud “biang biang” sound the dough makes when it is slapped against the table during preparation, these noodles are famous for their extra-wide, thick and chewy texture. Each noodle is hand-pulled to be over a meter long and as wide as a belt, making them a hearty and filling meal. They are typically served with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, garlic, vinegar and soy sauce, and topped with minced pork, chopped vegetables and a runny fried egg.
- Zenggao (Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake): A sweet and sticky traditional dessert that has been a favorite in Shaanxi since the Tang Dynasty. Made from alternating layers of glutinous rice, sweet red dates, red beans and brown sugar, zenggao is steamed in a traditional bamboo steamer for several hours until it becomes soft, sticky and infused with the sweet flavors of the dates and beans. It’s usually sold by street vendors in small portions, and it’s the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.
Other Great Dining Options
- The Longest Day in Chang’an Themed Block Food: Step into the world of the hit Chinese TV drama The Longest Day in Chang’anat this immersive themed block, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes inspired by actual Tang Dynasty cuisine. The restaurants here are designed to look like ancient Chang’an taverns and eateries, with wooden tables, paper lanterns and servers dressed in Tang costumes. The menu features dishes that were popular among nobles and commoners alike during the Tang Dynasty, as well as modern interpretations of classic recipes.
- Qujiang Joy City: A large modern shopping mall located just a 5-minute walk from the northern end of Datang Everbright City, offering a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Here, you’ll find everything from spicy Sichuan hot pot and Korean barbecue to Italian pasta, Japanese sushi and American burgers. The mall also has a large food court with dozens of stalls offering affordable and delicious snacks from all over China, making it a great place to try a little bit of everything.
- Yintai City: Another popular shopping and dining destination near Datang Everbright City, home to many well-known national and international restaurant chains. Whether you’re in the mood for Cantonese dim sum, Shanghai-style soup dumplings, Thai curry or French pastries, you’ll find it here. The mall also has several cozy cafes and dessert shops where you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a sweet treat after a long day of walking and sightseeing.
Practical Tips for Visiting Datang Everbright City
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Visit during off-peak times: Datang Everbright City attracts millions of visitors every year, and it can get extremely crowded, especially during national holidays, weekends and summer vacation. To avoid the worst crowds and long lines, try to visit on a weekday, or arrive early in the evening (around 18:30) before the main rush starts. This will give you more space to explore, better views of the performances and a more enjoyable overall experience.
- Skip overpriced souvenirs: Many souvenir shops in the district sell mass-produced trinkets and memorabilia at inflated prices that are two to three times higher than what you would pay in other parts of Xi’an. If you want to buy souvenirs to take home, consider visiting local markets such as the Muslim Quarter or shopping malls outside the tourist area, where you’ll find better prices and a wider selection of authentic local products.
- Beware of street touts: Avoid following any street touts who approach you offering to take you to restaurants, shops, shows or “secret” photo spots. These people often work on commission and will take you to overpriced, low-quality establishments that are not worth your time or money. Stick to the main streets and use reputable restaurants and shops that are recommended in this guide or by other travelers.
- Stay safe during performances: The most popular performances draw huge crowds, so it’s important to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t push or shove to get a better view, and keep a close eye on your children and personal belongings. If you’re traveling with a group, agree on a specific meeting place in case you get separated, as cell phone service can be spotty in crowded areas.
Important Rules and Regulations
- No pets allowed: Pets are not permitted inside Datang Everbright City, with the exception of certified service animals. Please leave your furry friends at home when you visit to avoid any inconvenience.
- No smoking: The entire district is a designated non-smoking area, so please refrain from smoking anywhere on the pedestrian street, including in restaurants and cafes that do not have designated smoking areas.
- Respect public property: Please do not climb on sculptures, deface buildings, carve your name into surfaces or litter. Help keep Datang Everbright City clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy by disposing of your trash in the designated bins.
- Keep your belongings secure: Pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded tourist areas, so keep your wallet, phone and other valuables in a secure, front-facing pocket or a crossbody bag at all times. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be especially vigilant during peak hours and crowded performances.
Step Into the Golden Age of Chang’an
Datang Everbright City is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a living, breathing recreation of one of the most glorious eras in Chinese history. Every twinkling light, every intricate sculpture and every captivating performance tells a story of the Tang Dynasty’s prosperity, artistry and cultural brilliance. Here, you can leave the hustle and bustle of modern life behind and step back in time to experience the romance, grandeur and warm hospitality of ancient Chang’an. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends or exploring solo, Datang Everbright City will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
If you want to make the most of your visit to Datang Everbright City and explore all that Xi’an has to offer, China Dragon Travel provides a variety of carefully designed Xi’an tour packages. Their professional, knowledgeable guides will take you on an in-depth journey through Tang Dynasty culture, showing you hidden gems and sharing fascinating stories that you won’t find in any guidebook. With China Dragon Travel, your Xi’an adventure will be seamless, stress-free and truly unforgettable.
