A Tang-style pedestrian street south of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Datang Everbright City is in Yanta District, south of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It runs from Xuanzang Square in the north to the Tang City Wall Ruins Park area in the south, with Ci'en East Road and Ci'en West Road on either side. The Xi'an municipal government's English guide states that the street is open around the clock and free to enter; it passes through Xuanzang Square, Zhenguan Culture Square, and Kaiyuan Celebration Square, lined with Tang-style buildings, sculptures, and commercial spaces.

The Xi'an Local Chronicles Office records that this Tang-style landscape avenue was completed and opened on September 26, 2010. It was originally 1,500 meters long and 80 meters wide, combining sculpture, landscaping, and lighting. In 2026, Xi'an Daily described the pedestrian street as about 2.1 kilometers long. It is a contemporary commercial development, not a Tang dynasty site; the Tang City Wall Ruins Park at the south end is a separate protected archaeological area. Seeing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda means entering Daci'en Temple, which requires a ticket and adherence to the temple's visiting rules—do not confuse the street with the pagoda itself.

The stone sign for Datang Everbright City at night, its large gold characters and the red lanterns in the trees reflected in the water
The stone sign at the entrance to the Datang Everbright City pedestrian street, with night lights picking out the name and red lanterns overhead; photographed in 2023. 源義信 · Photo credits ↗

Lights, sculptures, and street performances

By day, the draw is the Tang-style roofs, squares, and sculptures; after dusk, when the lights come on, the lanterns in the trees, the outlines of the buildings, and the strips of light along the ground take over. The local chronicles list theme sculptures including “Tang Heroes,” “The Road of Zhenguan,” and “The Prosperous Kaiyuan Era.” A 2026 report notes that around 9 p.m. is the liveliest time, with performances and interactions such as Sheng Tang Mi He (Secret Box of the High Tang) and Shi Song Feng Hua. Programs, times, and locations change, so check on-site notices.

Performances cluster in the squares and at major intersections, where crowds gather. Do not stand in the middle of a walkway to take photos, and do not grab performers for pictures. If you are with children or older people, agree on a specific shop or square as a meeting point—that works better than “the middle of the street.” To look at the sculptures in quiet, come during the day; for the lights and performances, accept the evening crowds.

A group of Tang-dynasty drum-music figures lit in red at night, with Tang-style buildings behind
A Tang drum-music sculpture group under night lighting, with red beams falling on the figures and drums; photographed in 2023. 源義信 · Photo credits ↗

Cultural-creative shops, hanfu, and chain restaurants

This is not a traditional market; the offerings are mainly Tang-style cultural-creative products, souvenirs, hanfu experiences, and food. A 2025 article from the Qujiang New District calls it Xi'an's “best incubator” for cultural-creative brands and mentions themed flagship stores and Tang Li Fang, with Tang-style lanterns, round fans, fridge magnets, music boxes, fu tea, and crystal cakes. Specific shops change, so do not search for a particular one from an old guide.

Hanfu styling and photo shoots are another expense. The price depends on the outfit, makeup, length of the shoot, and number of final images. Before entering a shop, ask what is included, whether all the unedited photos are provided, how overtime is charged, and agree on a total price for the package. Chain tea shops and restaurants are convenient for a rest, but do not take them as the whole of Xi'an's local food. For cultural-creative gifts, compare design, material, and portability first; for fragile lanterns or ceramics, confirm packaging and checked-baggage conditions.

Tang-dressed performers lined up on a Tang-style stage at night, with visitors below holding up phones to take pictures
A Tang-dressed performance on a street stage, with visitors holding up phones below; photographed in 2023. 源義信 · Photo credits ↗

Free to enter, but choose your time

The street is open all day and free; shops and experiences charge separately. Crowds are heaviest from evening into the night, especially on holidays. When it is busy, follow on-site signs and staff directions, do not walk against the flow, and do not stop at intersections to take photos. Most shops and stalls accept mobile payment, but small stalls may not take foreign bank cards, so a little cash is safer. Rain can affect the lights and performances; check the official account's schedule for the day before setting out.

Taking Metro Line 3 or Line 4 to Dayanta Station is the usual way to arrive, but there is still a walk after leaving the station; follow on-site signs for the right exit and route. The street is south of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. If you visit the pagoda first, you need a separate Daci'en Temple ticket and must fit the temple's opening hours. If you are staying far away, you do not need to fill the whole evening: pick a stretch of sculptures, one performance, and a rest. The opening information in this article was verified 2026-11-11; check official channels on the day.

Useful official references

Check the relevant official service before making arrangements. These links are references, not a guarantee of current services.