Location & Transportation

Daming Palace National Heritage Park Archaeological Exploration Center sits on the western side of the Imperial Road Plaza within Daming Palace National Heritage Park, located at No. 585 Ziqiang East Road, Xincheng District, Xi’an. To get there, take Metro Line 2 to “Daming Palace West” station and walk 10 minutes, or hop on buses 2, 26, or 528 for direct access. The park surrounds the site of Tang Dynasty’s grandest palace, offering a blend of history and modern accessibility.

Natural Scenery & Outdoor Spaces

While Daming Palace is famous for its historical ruins, the Archaeological Exploration Center adds a green touch. The outdoor activity area features spacious lawns and shaded paths, perfect for leisurely walks. Families often picnic here, and kids love running across the open squares. Look for seasonal flower beds that frame views of the park’s iconic Tang-era architecture replicas—a mix of nature and history!

Cultural Highlights & Exhibits

The center isn’t just about old relics—it’s interactive! Indoors showcase archaeological tools like brushes and trowels, and demos explain how experts dig up history. A massive model of the Hall of Supreme Harmony (contained in English as “Hall of Origins”) lets you visualize Tang grandeur. The real highlight? An electronic mock archaeology game where you “excavate” virtual artifacts and even color the digital Hall of Containment (original name retained)! For kids, dressing up in Tang costumes and paper-cutting workshops make history fun.

Hands-On Experiences

This place screams “touch and learn”! At the simulated excavation zone, you can brush dirt from replica pottery, just like a real archaeologist. The pottery studio lets you mold your own bowls, while “fixing文物” (literally translated as “repairing cultural relics”) classes teach you to mend broken jars. My favorite? Building mini wooden brackets (斗拱)—those curved roof structures that defined Tang architecture. It’s surprising how tricky they are to assemble!

Family-Friendly Facilities

Parents, rejoice! The center has a dedicated kids’ zone with soft archaeology toys and puzzles. There’s also a café with Tang-themed snacks (try the honey cakes!) and a shop selling cool souvenirs like brick rubbing kits. Restrooms are clean, and staff speak basic English, so don’t worry about language barriers.

Why It’s Perfect for Kids & Families

Unlike stuffy museums, this center is designed for interaction. Guided tours use games to explain concepts—like comparing soil layers to tell historical timelines. School groups love the “Tang Life Challenge,” where kids dress up, grind ink tiles, and compete in paper