The Longest Day in Chang'an
China’s first immersive Tang-style street market
The Longest Day in Chang’an is China’s first immersive Tang-style street market. Here, you can find traditional Chang’an (ancient Xi’an) snacks, themed cultural creations, unique performances, immersive games, and scene experiences that recreate the bustling life of the Tang Dynasty. This area is a popular tourist spot in Xi’an, attracting over 9,000 visitors daily.
The Longest Day in Chang’an project has three levels. The basement level is an authentic Tang Dynasty market experience, featuring over 100 kinds of food from ancient Chang’an. You’ll also find various Tang Dynasty handicrafts, silverware, glassware, spices, Tang embroidery, pottery, and wooden crafts. Additionally, there are nearly 60 NPC performers on this level who reenact scenes from Chang’an Twelve Hours, allowing visitors to interact freely with them.
The first floor is a space for entertainment and leisure. In the public areas of the north and south courtyards, there are three stages hosting various performances. At the same time, the large immersive game “The Great Tang Never Sleeps” invites visitors to experience 12 classic storylines.
The second floor is dedicated to banquet experiences, where visitors can enjoy Tang Dynasty performances, listen to Tang music, and savor Tang cuisine all at once.
Table of Contents
Highlights of The Longest Day in Chang'an
The Dance of the Colorful Raiment (Chinese name: 霓裳羽衣舞)
The Dance of the Colorful Raiment is a famous court dance from the Tang Dynasty, often called the “Crown of Dances.” It features graceful movements, stunning costumes, and captivating music, showcasing the brilliance of Tang court culture. This dance reflects Emperor Xuanzong‘s desire to portray the Tang Dynasty as a paradise, so its vibe is definitely dreamy and ethereal.
The Gathering of the Nations (万邦来朝)
“The Gathering of the Nations” features lively performances like the Hu Xuan dance, fashion shows, and acrobatics. In this show, visitors can experience the scene of envoys from over a hundred countries coming to Tang to pay tribute. You’ll see rare treasures, talented performers, and a grand spectacle of Emperor Xuanzong sharing the prosperity of Tang with his people and courtiers.
The Banquet of Bliss (极乐之宴)
In “The Banquet of Bliss,” visitors can see people of all ages and professions from ancient Chang’an showcasing different aspects of Tang culture. The highlight of the performance is the “Flying Apsaras” dance. Dancers in gorgeous costumes display the charm of Tang dance with their graceful movements and impressive skills.
The show also includes interactive elements, allowing visitors to engage with NPCs. You can share a drink with Li Bai or watch street performers, enhancing the feeling of participation and immersion for everyone.
Farewell with Willow Branches (折柳送别)
In the Tang Dynasty, willow trees symbolized parting, so “Farewell with Willow Branches” became a traditional farewell ritual filled with poetry and emotion. Actors dressed in Tang attire use dance, music, and dramatic performances to convey the deep feelings and reluctance of ancient people when saying goodbye.
The Huji Tavern (胡姬酒肆)
“The Huji Tavern” performance recreates the vibrant scene of the taverns in Tang Dynasty Chang’an. The term “Huji” refers to women from the Western Regions who worked in these taverns. They not only served drinks but also entertained guests with singing and dancing. During the Tang Dynasty, these taverns were popular spots for poets and scholars to drink, compose poetry, and enjoy life. Visitors can savor Tang Dynasty wines here while enjoying the dancers’ performances.
Imperial Banquet Music of the Tang Dynasty (大唐燕乐)
“Imperial Banquet Music of the Tang Dynasty” showcases the charm of ancient Chinese symphonic music through the Xi’an drum music form. In the performance, several plump ladies hold bells and embrace pipa, joining the drummers to create a captivating show. The performance not only features court music from the Tang Dynasty but also uses instrumental ensembles to recreate the brilliance and prosperity of that golden era.
Chang'an Arts and Crafts (长安百艺)
In “Chang’an Arts and Crafts,” the acrobatic performances showcase the art of acrobatics from the Tang Dynasty. These acts not only display incredible physical skills but also highlight the wisdom and courage of ancient Chinese artists. For example, in a pole performance, a strongman balances a thick bamboo pole on his head while children or other performers dangle from the top, creating a stunning display of strength and skill. The show also emphasizes interaction with visitors, allowing performers to engage with the audience and enhance their overall experience.
Practical Travel Tips
- Try to get to the performance venue at least half an hour early, especially for popular shows. If you’re late, you might not get a good spot!
- You can run into actors dressed as Xuanzang, courtesans, poets, and more throughout the district. Don’t hesitate to interact, chat, or take pictures with them—it’s all free!
- You absolutely can’t miss the stunning finale performance, “The Banquet of Bliss.” All the actors participate, and it’s a breathtaking, immersive experience of the Tang Dynasty’s grandeur.
- It’s best to go on weekdays instead of weekends or holidays; otherwise, it can get really crowded.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM. The last performance ends at 9:45 PM, and ticket sales stop at 9:00 PM.
Admission
- 128 CNY (approximately 18 USD)
- Children under 1.2 meters tall can enter for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
How to Get to The Longest Day in Chang'an
By Bus
- Take bus routes 609, 146, or 44 and get off at the Yan Nan Yi Lu Kou bus stop(雁南一路口公交站). From there, it’s just a short walk to your destination.
By Subway
- Take subway line 4 to the Datang Furong Garden station(大唐芙蓉园站) and exit at the A Northwest exit. From there, it’s a 525-meter walk to the scenic area.
How Visitors Rate The Longest Day in Chang'an
Local tourists from China
First off, the environment is stunning; the whole area is beautifully set up, making you feel like you've stepped back into the Tang Dynasty. Instead of going directly to the first floor, we took the escalator on the left up to the third floor and got a glimpse of the interior from the atrium.
Finding our dinner location was a bit tricky since the signs weren't very clear, so we searched for a while. Once we entered the banquet hall, wow! It felt like a dream, with a palace banquet atmosphere that really set the mood! If you arrive early, you can choose your seats. Once seated, the ladies dressed as court maids started serving tea and appetizers.
When the banquet began, the music with drums and flutes was lively. Every dance was performed with such care, and the actors were beautiful, with sweet voices and great moves. The meal was served in the traditional Tang-style, with dishes brought out one by one.
We arrived around 8 PM, and the entire area resembles a bustling market from the Tang Dynasty. If you want to catch a performance, make sure to grab a spot at least 20 minutes early. Otherwise, you might end up like me, only able to see the backs of other people's heads!
Each little shop has its own unique charm, and the actors are super friendly and natural. I even saw a lot of foreign tourists dressed in traditional outfits and sporting Tang Dynasty-style makeup!
Most importantly, don’t miss the show with Yang Guifei on the wires! Make sure to grab a good spot in advance; if you sit too far back, it won’t be as impressive. The best views are near the stairs on the basement level.
And definitely remember to wear hanfu! It really helps you blend into the Tang Dynasty atmosphere, plus you’ll get some stunning photos. Also, you can go in and out of the area throughout the day. If you don’t want to eat inside, you can step out for a meal and come back to catch more performances. You can really spend an entire day here!
