With a history of over a thousand years, Xi'an offers exceptional values for visitors. Today, we strolled through a Tang-style architecture garden, a refrehing break from Beijing's Qing culture.
Tangda Ci'ensi Relic Site Park (唐大慈恩寺遗址公园)
The original Tang Ci'en Temple was a temple built in 648 AD by Prince Li Zhi (that is, Emperor Gaozong of Tang) to pay tribute to his mother, Emperor Wende. It was the largest Buddist temple at that time. Due to wars and changing dynasties, the temple had been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years. It has unique historical values, landscape features, and religious significance.
Although the current site is only 1/7th the size of the original, it is still big enough to spend a couple of hours inside. As a Buddhist cultural theme garden, you can feel an ubiquitous atmosphere of Zen and harmony as you stroll through the garden. The garden is liken to a scaled up Japanese garden. If you love Japanese gardens, you will definitely like this one too. Our whole family thoroughly enjoyed the visit and was refreshed afterwards.
Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉園)
- Grade: 5A (AAAAA)
Right next to the relic site park, you can find another Tang style park. This time, however, it was designed and built in modern times. It was rebuilt in the style of the Tang Dynasty royal garden and covered over 1000 acres, with a large lake inside. The buildings inside also follow the Tang style architecture. If you stay long enough, you can also watch a light show over the lake.
My feelings toward this park is mixed. On one hand, it is a huge undertaking to recreate a Tang Dynasty royal garden and it helps you visualize the scale and the design. On the other hand, I find it at times a little forceful and touristy. If you are into photography (or Instagram), however, you will love this place. Everywhere you turn, there's a beautiful spot for photo taking.
Since there is an entrance fee of CNY 120 (USD 17), I would recommend you to visit at dusk to catch the sunset and to see the light show.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔)
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty. Although it was heavily damaged during the massive earthquake in 1556, it was repaired and is still standing today.
Since it was already late in the day, we just passed by the pagoda and did not go inside.