As dusk falls over Xi'an, a former capital of China's Tang Dynasty, Datang Everbright City transforms into a luminous portal to the past. Thousands of lanterns illuminate reconstructed palace gates while the aroma of sizzling roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers) mingles with the twang of pipa instruments, creating an immersive historical experience that's become a social media sensation.
Visitors donning flowing hanfu robes stroll through 210,000 square meters of Tang-style architecture, participating in traditional tea ceremonies and watching costumed performers reenact imperial court rituals. The site's nighttime foot traffic regularly exceeds 60,000 people, according to local tourism authorities, making it one of the Chinese mainland's most vibrant cultural tourism projects.
"This isn't just tourism – it's time travel," says Beijing-based cultural historian Dr. Li Wei. "By combining physical spaces with interactive experiences, Xi'an has created a blueprint for preserving heritage while driving economic growth." The development has spurred a 35% increase in hanfu rental businesses and inspired similar historical revivals in Luoyang and Nanjing.
