The “Han Chang’an City National Archaeological Site Park (汉长安城遗址公园),” also known as “Weiyang Palace (未央宫),” is a massive, historical park located in the heart of Xi’an. Covering an area six times the size of Beijing’s Forbidden City, this park is the largest within the city’s limits and offers a vast, immersive experience. With several entrances, it can be a bit tricky to navigate, but its beauty and historical significance make it a hidden gem that’s well worth the visit. Here’s everything you need to know before exploring this incredible site.
A Vast and Accessible Park with Convenient Parking
The Han Chang’an City Site is sprawling, and navigating it can be a bit challenging, especially when it comes to parking. Each of the park’s entrances has its own parking lot, with the largest one located at the North Gate. However, the road leading to this entrance can be a bit rough. The West Gate is closer to the city’s third ring road and has several access points, making it more accessible. Meanwhile, the East Gate leads to nearby orchards where visitors can enjoy fruit-picking experiences.
A Floral Wonderland Across Seasons
One of the park’s most remarkable features is its seasonal flower displays. The park’s large size allows for expansive, thematic flower gardens, particularly stunning in the spring months. From April to May, the blooms are at their peak, with a wide variety of flowers in full display. You can expect to see moonflower, purple irises, yellow irises, daisies, red sorrel, beach chrysanthemums, rapeseed flowers, carnations, wild peas, February orchid, sage, and hydrangeas, among others.
The Beauty of Flower Seas
Thanks to the park’s vast expanse, the floral areas are massive, offering visitors the chance to stroll through sweeping “flower seas.” These fields of vibrant color make a huge visual impact, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The most concentrated area of flowers can be found between Zhangcheng Gate and the Ming Canal. The best way to explore this area is by heading to Zhangcheng Gate, which is located along the West Third Ring Road.
Once you enter through Zhangcheng Gate, you’ll find wooded areas on both sides that are perfect for camping. For flower enthusiasts, there are specific paths to follow. If you want to see the purple and yellow irises, red sorrel, and other spring flowers, head right after entering Zhangcheng Gate. For moonflowers, daisies, wild peas, and other blossoms, take the left path about 100 meters in, which is a dirt road leading deeper into the park.
Dining and Refreshments at the Park
While the park is a paradise for nature lovers, dining options are somewhat limited within the park itself. However, there is a Western-style café located near Zhangcheng Gate that serves light meals. For more variety, visitors can also order take-out and pick it up at the entrance. It’s a good idea to bring snacks if you plan to spend the day exploring the vast park.
Rentals and Transport Within the Park
The park offers several transportation options to help visitors explore the vast area. At each entrance, you can rent sightseeing cars, with the standard rate set at 150 RMB per hour for a self-driven vehicle. These rentals require a valid driver’s license, and the car must be driven by the license holder. Additionally, there are multi-person bicycles available for rent if you prefer cycling around the park.
If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a fun experience, be sure to check out the park’s free, non-motorized amusement park. Simply search for “Han Chang’an City Site Park – Playground” on your navigation system to find it. It’s located near P4 parking (Shell station on Fengjing Road) and is best enjoyed early in the morning or during the cooler evening hours in the summer.
Cycling and Outdoor Activities
Although bicycles are not allowed inside the park, electric balance scooters are permitted. If you enjoy cycling, the West Gate offers a lovely tree-lined path that runs alongside a small river, ideal for a peaceful ride through nature. Just be aware that the water quality in the river may not be the best, but it still adds to the charm of the setting.