The Weiyang Palace Ruins Park of the Palace of Weiyang in Chang’an City was established upon the ruins of the Palace of Weiyang. Spanning a vast expanse, it boasts rich historical relics and natural landscapes. Within the park lie not only the magnificent ruins of palace architecture but also exquisite stone carvings, terracotta figurines and other cultural artefacts, showcasing the architectural artistry and craftsmanship of ancient China.
Weiyang Palace Ruins Park history
The Weiyang Palace was the main palace of the Western Han Empire, the political center and national symbol of the Han Dynasty. It was built in the seventh year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (200 BC) under the supervision of Liu Bang’s important minister Xiao He, and was built on the basis of Qin Zhangtai. It is located on the highest southwest corner of the Longshou Plain in Chang’an City, also known as the West Palace because it is west of Anmen Street in Chang’an City.
After the construction of the Weiyang Palace, the emperors of the Western Han Dynasty lived here and became the center of government orders for more than 200 years of the Han Empire. Therefore, in the poetry of later generations, the Weiyang Palace has become synonymous with the Han Palace.
The Weiyang Palace was the administrative and imperial palace of eleven dynasties including the Western Han, Xinmang, Eastern Han, Western Jin, Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang. It existed for 1041 years and is the palace with the most dynasties in use and the longest existence in Chinese history.
The current Weiyang Palace Ruins Park
Xi’an boasts many hidden gem parks, but among those truly worth revisiting, the Han Chang’an City Weiyang Palace Ruins Park certainly ranks as one. This expansive site boasts splendid surroundings, offering opportunities for camping amidst the scenery and exploring ancient mysteries. It is not only a treasured park for Xi’an locals but also holds a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Strolling here evokes a sense of traversing through the annals of history. This singular experience likely stems from the profound cultural heritage that defines the ancient capital of Xi’an.
Those who have visited know that the Weiyang Palace Ruins Park covers an immense area of approximately 4.8 square kilometres. Unlike Xi’an’s other exquisitely landscaped parks, this one emphasises a sense of vastness and expansiveness, possessing a grandeur of its own. With minimal modern embellishments or artificial features, the park preserves the ruins’ original character to the greatest extent possible. Beyond the extensive archaeological zones, the grounds are planted with a rich variety of flora, offering ever-changing seas of flowers throughout the seasons.
Pink muhly grass is not actually a “flower”, but rather a herbaceous plant. It belongs to the Poaceae family and the genus Muhlenbergia, making it a distant relative of rice and wheat. However, its flower spikes form a pink, mist-like cloud that, when gathered together, creates a dreamlike, ethereal effect. As if naturally filtered through a soft-focus lens, every photograph taken here turns out beautifully! No wonder it becomes the undisputed star of the floral seas come autumn!
This expanse of pink and purple pampas grass near the ruins of the Jiaofang Hall lies closest to the park’s North Gate. Visitors may navigate directly to the North Gate by car or reach it via public transport (detailed travel guidance is provided at the end of this article).
The expanse of blooms isn’t particularly vast, yet it’s ample for admiring the flowers and taking photographs. Pathways wind through the flowerbeds, offering staggered vantage points where you can effortlessly capture stunning shots of yourself centre stage amidst the sea of blossoms – the effect is absolutely breathtaking!
The Palace of Weiyang served as the principal imperial palace of the Western Han Empire. Over its millennium-long existence, it witnessed the rise and fall of eleven dynasties, making it the longest-standing imperial palace in Chinese history and the one utilised by the greatest number of ruling houses. In 2014, as part of the ‘Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan’, the Weiyang Palace site within Han Chang’an City was inscribed on the World Heritage List. It stands as one of China’s largest, best-preserved and most archaeologically rich capital city ruins.
The Jiaofang Palace was the principal hall where Han dynasty empresses resided. Standing before this palace ruin, which once witnessed imperial love and political intrigue, amidst this gentle sea of pink blossoms, one encounters a romance that embodies Xi’an’s unique blend of profound history and poetic charm.
Standing within the Weiyang Palace Ruins Park, one can gaze southwards to take in the entire expanse of Xi’an’s urban landscape, with its towering skyscrapers stretching as far as the eye can see. To the north lies a vast expanse of rural fields and archaeological sites. This visual spectacle, spanning millennia and blending ancient and modern, delivers a profoundly moving experience that is virtually impossible to replicate anywhere else in Xi’an.
Transportation of Weiyang Palace Ruins Park
This expanse of pink pampas grass lies near the ruins of the Jiaofang Palace, closest to the park’s northern entrance.
For those driving, navigate directly to ‘Northern Gate of Han Chang’an City Ruins Park’;
Independent travellers may take bus route 865 (limited frequency) to the ‘North Palace Gate’ stop, which serves the park’s northern entrance. Upon entering, a five-minute walk will lead you to the vast pink flower field. Should the 865 bus prove inconvenient, alternatively navigate to ‘Zhouwan Village,’ where bus services are more frequent, including routes 234, 331, and 829. Entering the park via the Zhouwan Village gate requires a 1.8-kilometre walk to reach the flower fields. However, strolling through the grounds offers a rather pleasant experience.
