Tang Dynasty Ruins Park & Muslim Street & Shadow Show Tour|Xian Tours|China Tours

National Ruins Park of Daming Palace of Tang Dynasty:
Xi’an, with Chang’an as its ancient name, is the capital of 13 dynasties. On a par with Athens, Rome and Cairo. Xi’an is known as one of the world’s four great ancient capitals. Being the origin of ancient “Silk Road”. Xi’an is famous for its splendid history and plentiful cultural heritages, of which Tang Dynasty was the most thriving and prosperous, compatible and opening-up during Chinese feudalism times. Chinese nation is proud of the historical memory of Tang. Daming Palace of Tang Dynasty, being a masterpiece during this period, its ruins is currently occupying about 3.5 km 2 area and its palace ruins cluster possesses the extant largest scale and the most complete layout.
As the imperial palace and one of the “Three Great Inner Palaces” (Taiji Palace, Daming Palace and Xingqing Palace) of Tang Dynasty in Chang’an city, the Daming Palace was situated at the second terrace of Weihe River alluvial plain in Central Shaanxi Basin and the third terrace partially, between 108o56′30"-108o59′10" East Longitude and 34o17′-4o18′30" North Latitude. Also located in the Longshou upland of Chan’an city. It has a high physiognomy and magnificent verve, and it belongs to the Continental Monsoon Climate of East Asian Warm and Humid Zone. The Ruins of Daming Palace is one kilometer far from the north of Xi’an city wall of Ming Dynasty. The total area approximates to 3.2 km2.
As a primary object to study ancient China and the palace architecture in East Asia, the Ruins of Daming Palace of Tang Dynasty is quite unique among Chinese and World ruins.

It is the center of the considerable Chinese-Muslim community in Xi’an. The stalls flanking the narrow alleys sell almost everything you can imagine. There are even a number of stalls selling parts of aircraft. If you prepared to bargain you will be amazed at the final prices. A variety of Muslim food and snacks can be tried here, tasty and very cheap, including the locals’ favorites, roasted beef, roasted fish, and pancakes. The title of “a street of gourmet” is deserved.
P.S. Consider trying “Yang Rou Pao Mo 羊肉泡馍”, a well-known local dish which is essentially crumble pita bits in mutton noodle soup.

Have you ever watched “Once Upon A Time In America” acted by Robert De Niro or the movie “The Karate Kid” by Jackie Chen. If you do, then you must know or maybe have an impressive image of Folk Shadow Show.

The shadow show or leather silhouette play is a type of drama which has its roots in China.
Legend has it that Emperor Wudi (156-87 B.C.) of the Western Han was depressed with the death of his favorite concubine Lady Li. To help him get over the sadness, an occultist sculptured a wooden figure in the likeness of the lady and projected its shadow on a curtain for the emperor to see, bring him consolation with the belief that the shadow was her spirit. This has been thought to be the beginning of the shadow.
Today’s shadow puppets are made of leather instead of wood for the simple reason that much lighter, easier to manipulate and carry round. The process for making the puppets is as follows: Sheep or donkey skin with hair removed is cleaned and treated chemically to become thin enough to be translucent. Coated with tung oil and dried, it is carved into various parts of dramatic figured.