A free open-air Tang-dynasty-themed pedestrian district at the foot of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, with street performers, light shows, and shops that come alive after dark.
Datang Everbright City, widely known to visitors as the Great Tang All Day Mall, is a free, open-air pedestrian district built at the foot of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda's South Square in Yanta District, designed around Tang-dynasty architectural styles to evoke the atmosphere of ancient Chang'an at the height of its power as a Silk Road capital. The district stretches along a broad pedestrian boulevard lined with reconstructed Tang-style buildings now housing restaurants, tea houses, boutiques, and international and local chain shops, punctuated by bronze statues depicting Tang-dynasty court life, poets, and everyday scenes that make for popular photo stops throughout the day. The area's real draw is after dark, when elaborate lighting transforms the boulevard's buildings and statues, street performers including musicians, dancers in Tang-style dress, and occasional acrobatic acts appear at scattered points along the route, and the district connects seamlessly to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda's North Square, home to Asia's largest musical fountain and its free nightly water-and-light show. A daytime visit works well for shopping and dining in a relatively uncrowded setting, while an evening visit captures the district at its most atmospheric, with families, couples, and groups of friends filling the boulevard well into the night, particularly on weekends. Because the district has no admission fee and connects directly to both the Big Wild Goose Pagoda's South Square gate and the North Square fountain show, it functions as a natural extension of a Big Wild Goose Pagoda visit rather than a separate destination, and many visitors spend an entire evening moving between the temple grounds, the mall's boulevard, and the fountain show without paying for anything beyond food and drink. The pedestrian boulevard is fully open and level, making it one of the more accessible and casual ways to experience Tang-dynasty-themed atmosphere in the city without a ticketed site's time constraints.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; shops and restaurants generally 10:00 AM-10:00 PM, performances and lighting concentrated in the evening |
| Typical visit | 1.5-3 hours |
| Best time | Evening to night, when the district's lighting, fountains, and street performances are in full swing |
| Getting there | Metro Line 3, Dayanta Station, walking north brings visitors directly to the district's entrance below the Big Wild Goose Pagoda |
| Address | No. 6 East Section of Huanta South Road, Yanta District, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China |
Weather through the year in Shaanxi
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Shaanxi.
Location
No. 6 East Section of Huanta South Road, Yanta District, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
34.2151, 108.9601 View on map
Highlights
- Free open-air Tang-dynasty-themed pedestrian boulevard beneath the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Bronze statues depicting Tang-dynasty court life and poets along the route
- Evening street performances including Tang-style dance and music
- Direct connection to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda's North Square musical fountain show
- Restaurants, tea houses, and shops housed in reconstructed Tang-style buildings
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the evening to see the district's full lighting display and street performances
- Combine with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda's North Square musical fountain show, reachable on foot from the boulevard
- Bring cash or a mobile payment app for street food vendors and smaller shops
- Walk the full boulevard slowly to spot the bronze statue groupings, which make for some of the district's best photo opportunities
- Weekend evenings draw the largest crowds; a weekday evening visit is calmer while still keeping the lighting and performances
- No ticket or reservation is needed; the district is open and free to enter at any time
When to visit
Evening to night, when the district's lighting, street performances, and the adjacent North Square fountain show are all active.
Accessibility
The pedestrian boulevard is fully paved and level throughout, making it one of the more wheelchair- and stroller-friendly attractions in the city.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Datang Everbright City take?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours walking the boulevard, browsing shops, and taking in the evening lighting and performances.
Is it worth visiting with kids?
Yes, the street performances, statues, and connection to the North Square fountain show make it a popular family evening outing.
Is photography allowed throughout the district?
Yes, photography is unrestricted along the boulevard, statues, and lit facades.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the district is completely free to enter and walk through at any hour.