The Han Chang’an City Site (汉长安城遗址), officially known as Han Chang’an City Weiyang Palace National Archaeological Site Park (汉长安城未央宫国家考古遗址公园), is a vast and historically rich park located in Xi’an’s Weiyang District. Due to its size and somewhat remote location, it’s recommended to visit by self-driving, as public transportation is limited in the area. For those considering shared bicycles, this might not be the best option as the area is a “no-go zone” for bike rentals, including yellow and blue bikes. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the park’s best photo opportunities, offering tips on when and where to capture the park’s most picturesque spots.
Accessing the Park and Photography Spots
The North Gate is the ideal entrance for photography enthusiasts, as it offers access to some of the most stunning and serene locations in the park. Once inside, you’ll find a variety of beautiful spots to capture, starting with a large sunflower field on your left after walking along the main road. The sunflower field is expansive, featuring different varieties of sunflowers, and offers a truly stunning view. It’s important to avoid taking photos at the entrance, as the area is heavily trampled by visitors. Instead, walk further into the park, where you’ll find fewer people and larger sunflower heads that make for great photographs.
Hidden Gems and Quiet Corners
As you continue walking, you’ll come across large open spaces, grass fields, and scattered books—perfect for a quiet, reflective shot. The cover image for this guide was taken in this area, where the open grassland stretches out under the sky. This area offers a peaceful, uncrowded environment that is ideal for both portrait and landscape photography.
Heading further south, you’ll discover several charming little stone paths, where the sound of fallen leaves and gravel beneath your feet creates a nostalgic, almost childlike atmosphere. Many families visit this area to enjoy a slow walk, and it’s a wonderful spot for family portraits or candid photography.
Colorful Flora for the Perfect Shot
As you cross a wide road, you’ll reach the stunning Pink Muhly Grass field, a popular photography spot known for its soft pink hues. This area is especially photogenic during good weather, although if you visit on a cloudy day, it might be harder to capture the full beauty of the scene. On a clear, sunny day, the pink grass creates a dreamy, otherworldly backdrop that is perfect for photos. If you’re visiting the park for photography, it’s worth waiting for the right weather conditions to get the best shot.