Xi'an RV Road Trip: A Millennia-old Capital, Dreaming Back to the Glory of Tang

Xi'an, this renowned ancient capital that served as the seat of thirteen dynasties, brims with an inexhaustible tapestry of history and culture. The *Records of the Grand Historian* once described Xi'an as “a golden city stretching a thousand *li*, a land of abundance.” As the cradle of Chinese civilization, Xi'an's history can be traced back to the 12th century BC. Though millennia have passed, its prosperity endures. The city is so rich in stories that every ancient lane and alley, every carved tile on a traditional mansion, every brick of the city wall seems to whisper the glorious history of an imperial capital enduring for a thousand years. A thousand years may have passed like fleeting starlight, yet those stars still shine as brightly as yesterday's glow, blurring the line between then and now. I’ve always rushed through Xi'an on previous visits. This time, with a weekend to spare, I brought my family on an RV road trip to relive the glory of Tang China and take in all of Chang’an’s splendor in a single day. DAY1: Xi'an – Tang Paradise – Dayan Pagoda – Shaanxi History Museum – North Square Music Fountain at Dayan Pagoda (enjoy the stunning night view of Great Tang Ever-Bright City, where the Xi'an internet-famous “tumbler lady” also performs) DAY2: Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Warriors) – Return Journey Tang Paradise (Datang Furong Garden) is the best place to take in the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Every brick, every blade of grass, every pavilion and tower here exudes the rich ambience of the flourishing Tang era. Originally a royal garden during the Tang Dynasty, it flourished during the Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. Today’s Tang Paradise was built just north of its original site. Having watched the Tang-era drama *The Longest Day in Chang’an* by Ma Boyong, I was captivated by the intricate dougong brackets and multi-eaved Tang architecture, the bustling and authentic Tang streets, and the bowls of food embodying Chang’an’s culture—the majesty of the empire and the vibrant street life... Now, stepping into the dreamlike Tang Paradise, I felt as if I had traveled through time to listen to the legendary tales of the prosperous Tang empire. Qujiang served as a royal forbidden garden from the Qin and Han dynasties all the way through the Sui and Tang periods, spanning 1,300 years, and represents the pinnacle of classical garden and architectural design. In the Tang Dynasty, Qujiang reached its zenith, with Furong Garden designated as a royal retreat—Furong Yuan (also called Furong Garden). In the 14th year of the Kaiyuan era, important structures like Ziyun Tower and Caixia Pavilion were built. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, eager to frequent Qujiang, even had a covered corridor built along the city wall from the imperial palace to the garden. During the grand Qujiang gatherings, Emperor Minghuang would ascend Ziyun Tower with his favorite consort and officials to celebrate with the common people; the entire city would empty out as everyone flocked to Qujiang for feasts and revelry, a vivid testament to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Ziyun Tower (Purple Cloud Tower) is the signature building of Tang Paradise, embodying the imperial grandeur of the Tang Dynasty with the verse “shape and spirit soar in purple clouds; the realm bows to the emperor’s heart.” The historical Ziyun Tower was built in the 14th year of the Kaiyuan era. During the Qujiang celebrations, Emperor Minghuang would ascend this tower to enjoy music and dance, feast his courtiers, and revel with the people. The tower has four floors, each presenting the majestic imperial culture of the flourishing Tang through different angles and media. The first floor features sculptures and murals depicting the prosperous reign of Emperor Taizong (the Zhenguan era), along with a large-scale restored model of Tang-era Chang’an and an exhibition of national-level Tang artifacts. The second floor houses a grand polychrome sculpture group showing Emperor Minghuang feasting his officials with envoys from all directions paying homage. The third floor is a performance hall where court music and dance (Jiaofang Yuewu) are staged. The fourth floor holds the treasure of Tang Paradise—the Tang Dynasty Museum. The museum on the fourth floor is divided into three series: “Auspicious Bronzes of the Golden Age”, “Exquisite Gold and Fine Porcelain”, and “Gleaming Splendors”. The exhibits are selected from the finest artifacts of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties unearthed in Shaanxi. The rich colors and the exquisite, ornate decor perfectly illustrate the grandeur of Tang prosperity. Most delightful is strolling along the shores of Furong Lake, where scenes straight out of Tang-era scrolls come to life before your eyes: pavilions and towers glowing with radiant colors, covered bridges shimmering upon the water—majestic yet full of grace. By day, Furong Lake is bathed in gentle light, dotted with painted pleasure boats, weeping willows along the banks, and lotus blossoms filling the water. By night, Tang Paradise transports you into a magnificent Tang world, fulfilling every fantasy of traveling back to that golden age. From the thriving Qujiang of over a thousand years ago to today’s Tang Paradise with its seamless blend of water and sky, the interplay of water reflections and lantern lights creates a unique spectacle where ‘lanterns seem to walk within a painting, and visitors wander as if in a poem.’ It’s no exaggeration to call this the most beautiful waterscape in China. Surveying the rise and fall of Furong Garden over a millennium, one cannot help but marvel at the present—Tang Paradise has recreated the splendors of the ages and revived the glory of the Tang. As the line goes: ‘If you wish to know the ups and downs of past and present, just gaze upon Furong Garden!’ Dayan Pagoda (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda) is the landmark and symbol of Xi'an, a must-see on any visit. It stands over 1,300 years old and is said to be the earliest square pavilion-style brick pagoda from the Tang Dynasty, designated as a World Cultural Heritage site. Also known as the Great Ci’en Temple Pagoda, it stands within the Da Ci’en Temple on the site of the Jinchang Ward of Tang-era Chang’an (present-day southern Xi'an). In 652 AD (the third year of the Yonghui reign), the monk Xuanzang supervised the construction of the pagoda to house the sutras and Buddha statues he had brought back from India via the Silk Road. Originally five stories, it was later extended to nine, and further changes in height and number of stories eventually stabilized at the present seven. Up close, the pagoda is simple yet elegant. The Tang poet Cen Shen praised it: ‘The pagoda springs forth, towering alone into the heavens; ascending it, one leaves the world behind; the winding stairway spirals into the void. Overwhelming the realm, its majesty rivals divine craftsmanship; its four corners block the sun, seven tiers scrape the sky.’ Such verses capture the pagoda’s awe-inspiring magnificence. According to historical records, Ci’en Temple was built by Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) to pray for blessings for his mother, Empress Wende. It faces the Hanyuan Hall of Daming Palace to the north and is surrounded by Qujiang Pool, Apricot Garden, and Leyou Plain—all scenic spots, making the temple a popular pilgrimage site with a bustling atmosphere. Dayan Pagoda is a brick pavilion-style structure, 64.517 meters tall with a base side of 25 meters. The square pyramid-shaped body rests on a square brick platform measuring 42.5 x 48.5 meters and 4.2 meters high. Built of grey bricks with finely matched joints, it has a rigorous structure. The exterior features simulated wooden architectural elements forming bays, with the size decreasing proportionally from bottom to top. Inside, a spiral wooden staircase winds upward. Each of the four sides on every floor has an arched doorway opening onto a balcony for panoramic views. The whole edifice exudes grandeur, solemnity, and time-honored simplicity. When visiting Ci’en Temple, one naturally recalls the great Tang monk Xuanzang, its first abbot, who overcame 81 trials on his journey to the West for Buddhist scriptures. Thus this temple is a treasure trove of Buddhist classics. Emperors Gaozong and Taizong personally composed the steles ‘Preface to the Sacred Teachings of the Tripitaka of the Great Tang’ and ‘Account of the Sacred Teachings,’ with elegant vine-and-flower carvings on the sides—graceful and vivid, making them unmissable highlights of any Xi'an tour. As night falls, the fountain at Dayan Pagoda Square bursts into brilliant light. This is the largest fountain square and water feature square in Asia, with a water surface of 20,000 square meters. The massive matrix fountain is powered by over 1,700 pumps, each jet can be individually controlled to form patterns and characters. Looking from north to south, you see cascading water terraces in the center, flanked by lush greenery that echoes Tang Dynasty grace. Even the surrounding commercial buildings adopt grand dougong brackets in Tang style. The Great Tang Ever-Bright City adjoins this area, creating an unexpectedly harmonious beauty between the ancient pagoda and modern high-rises. The nightscape here is absolutely not to be missed—bustling with visitors, every step reveals a picture-perfect scene. Exquisite figure sculptures appear even more majestic under the lights, lulling you into a dream of Tang splendor. To understand a place’s history, there’s no better way than visiting its museum. Shaanxi History Museum is China’s first large-scale modern national museum and a first-batch 4A-rated tourist attraction. Hailed as the ‘Pearl of the Ancient Capital and the Treasure House of China,’ it stands at No. 91 Xiaozhai East Road, Yanta District, northwest of Dayan Pagoda. The land of Shaanxi (Sanqin) is one of the key cradles of the Chinese nation and the birthplace of Chinese civilization. It served as the capital for thirteen dynasties, including the most brilliant Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. Abundant cultural relics and profound heritage have created Shaanxi’s unique historical landscape, and the Shaanxi History Museum is an art hall showcasing Shaanxi’s history and ancient Chinese civilization. The collection spans from simple stone tools used by early humans to various artifacts of social life before 1840, covering over a million years. Among them, Shang and Zhou bronzes are exquisite beyond compare; pottery figurines of successive dynasties are varied and vivid; gold and silver wares of the Han and Tang are unparalleled; Tang tomb murals are unique in the world. It is a dazzling assembly of masterpieces. Five Dynasties Yaozhou Celadon Inverted-Flow Ewer with Carved Handle – Also known as the Celadon Inverted-Flow Ewer, it dates from the Five Dynasties period and was unearthed in Bin County, Shaanxi in 1968. The ewer stands 18.3 cm tall with a belly diameter of 14.3 cm. It features a phoenix-shaped handle and a lid symbolized by a flower calyx. At the joint of lid and body, there is a sculpted mother lion nursing her cub, with the mother’s open mouth serving as the spout. The spherical body is carved with scrolling peony vines, and a plum blossom-shaped water inlet lies at the center of the base—an ingenious design. Tang Dynasty Silver Incense Sachet with Grape, Flower and Bird Patterns – Spherical and completely covered with such motifs, the patterns flow naturally, with meticulous spacing and harmonious lines; they are symmetrically distributed around the top and bottom centers. The balance mechanism works on the same principle as a modern gyroscope, showing remarkable design. The outer shell is pierced with grape, flower and bird designs, which are both highly decorative and allow the fragrance to escape. Gold-Inlaid Beast-Head Agate Cup – The museum’s treasure. Unearthed in 1970 from the Hejiacun Hoard in the southern suburbs of Xi'an, the cup is 6.5 cm high, 15.6 cm long, with a mouth diameter of 5.9 cm. Made from a rare piece of banded agate with layers of reddish-brown, orange-yellow, and milky-white, it is a masterpiece of Tang jade carving. It is the only known Tang-era carved agate utilizing the stone’s natural coloration, appearing as a natural work of art. It is the finest example of Tang jade workmanship and the sole surviving piece of its kind in the world. Gilt Silver Ewer with Dancing Horse Holding a Cup in Its Mouth – The ewer has a silver body of flattened spherical shape. A small vertical tubular mouth opens at one end, topped by a cover shaped like inverted lotus petals hammered into relief. At the center of the cover a silver ring is riveted, attached to a 14-cm silver chain connected to the handle. The shoulder bears an arched handle with three petal-shaped ends. This design is convenient for carrying on horseback hunts and for daily use—a clever and ingenious creation that fills us moderns with admiration for Tang artisanship. In the first exhibition hall, ‘The Parting of Ape and Man,’ relics of early humans such as the 1.15-million-year-old Lantian Man, Dali Man, Banpo in Xi'an, and Jiangzhai in Lintong recreate the vibrant childhood of the Chinese nation and the dawn of civilization. ‘Eastern Empire’ focuses on the terracotta warriors and other Qin artifacts, showcasing the imposing might and unique military character of the Qin Dynasty, as well as the institutional civilization that set an example for later generations and the enterprising spirit that unified the land. Millennia as a capital have endowed Xi'an with abundant above-ground and underground relics. Consequently, the Shaanxi History Museum’s collection is not only vast and varied but also of high quality and broad significance. Arranged chronologically, it divides Shaanxi’s ancient history into seven sections—Prehistory, Zhou, Qin, Han, Wei-Jin Southern and Northern Dynasties, Sui-Tang, and Song-Yuan-Ming-Qing—using thousands of artifacts to vividly and systematically present over a million years of development from the Paleolithic era. The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qinshihuang, one of the Eight Wonders of the World, is the absolute must-see in Xi'an. As recorded in the *Records of the Grand Historian*, the mausoleum was planned by Prime Minister Li Si and supervised by General Zhang Han, taking 39 years to build. The terracotta figures were created and buried in the accompanying pits during the mausoleum’s construction. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China, died in 210 BC and was buried at the center of the mausoleum, surrounded by these famous terracotta figures. The complex structure of the mausoleum was modeled after his capital, Xianyang. The life-sized—or slightly smaller—figures each have unique features, and together with their horses, chariots, and weapons, they constitute a masterpiece of realism with immense historical value. The entire mausoleum complex faces east and is centered around the burial mound, divided into four concentric layers: the underground palace (the core), the inner city, the outer city, and the area beyond, all clearly hierarchical. ‘The Qinshihuang Mausoleum is like a well-designed, grand capital, covering 56.25 square kilometers, with an inner city area of about 2.13 square kilometers. This “capital” slopes from north to south with an 87-meter drop, forming a rectangle longer north-south than east-west. The walls consist of an inner and an outer rectangle, nested like the Chinese character 回, with a total length of about 12 kilometers, similar to Xi'an’s Ming Dynasty city wall.’ The terracotta warrior pits lie 1.5 kilometers east of the mausoleum, south of Xiyang Village. They are burial pits accompanying the main tomb. Three pits have been excavated so far, containing about seven to eight thousand warrior figures. Covering over 20,000 square meters, they hold nearly 8,000 life-sized pottery warriors and horses, including charioteers, cavalry, and infantry, arrayed in neat battle formation. Each figure has a unique face and vivid expression, earning it the title of the Eighth Wonder of the World and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Pit 1, to the south, measures 216 meters east-west and 62 meters north-south, covering 13,260 square meters. Pit 2 is 124 meters by 98 meters, 6,000 square meters. Pit 3 covers 520 square meters. The excavated terracotta figures are tall, generally around 1.8 meters, each with distinct postures and realistic, unique facial expressions. The simulated military formations evoke the awe-inspiring might of the Qin army that swept through the six kingdoms over two thousand years ago. These terracotta warriors and horses are life-sized; warriors of different branches all have distinct expressions—some stare intently, listening; some hold drawn bows, gazing ahead; some ride horses with stern, determined faces. The pottery horses are plump and robust, a testament to the strength of the Qin state. The bronze chariots and horses of the Qin Mausoleum, known as the ‘Crown of Bronzes,’ were unearthed in June 1978 about 20 meters west of the burial mound. Two sets were found, offering a faithful recreation of the imperial chariot and showcasing the superb casting skills of Qin craftsmen. While the Egyptian pyramids are the world’s largest above-ground royal tombs, the Qinshihuang Mausoleum is the largest underground imperial tomb. Former French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac said after visiting: ‘There are Seven Wonders in the world, but the discovery of the terracotta army makes it eight. You haven’t been to Egypt if you haven’t seen the pyramids; you haven’t been to China if you haven’t seen the terracotta warriors.’ Xi'an, a treasure trove of history and culture, boasts countless relics and sites that proclaim its past glory and profound historical and cultural charm. Our two-day, one-night RV road trip around Xi'an came to a perfect end. This RV journey offered a unique travel style: sightseeing by day and enjoying outdoor BBQs with family and friends by night—an unforgettable and joyful experience, highly recommended. Travel tips: 1. Clothing: jacket, sun hat, sunglasses; 2. Skincare: hand cream, lip balm, moisturizing spray, sunscreen, face mask sheets; 3. Electronics: batteries, film, memory cards, charger; 4. Daily essentials: personal toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, etc.), small blanket; 5. Medication: motion sickness pills, diarrhea medicine, cold medicine, band-aids, etc.; 6. Documents: student ID, ID card, etc. Table of Contents: 1. Foreword 2. About the Itinerary 3. Tang Paradise 4. Dayan Pagoda 5. Shaanxi History Museum 6. Terracotta Warriors Museum 7. Epilogue 8. Travel Tips. Travel Information, Hotel Index, Guide Index, Flight Index, Site Map, Travel Index, Cruise Index, Corporate Travel Index, Partnership & Cooperation, Affiliate Program, Friendly Links, Corporate Gift Card Purchase, Insurance Agent, Agent Cooperation, Hotel Joining, Destination and Scenic Area Cooperation, More Cooperation, About Ctrip, About Ctrip, Ctrip Hot Topics, Contact Us, Careers, User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Business License, Security Center, Ctrip Content Center, Intellectual Property, Trip.com Group Algorithm Publicity.