Weiyang Palace

Weiyang Palace was the main imperial palace complex of the Han dynasty and later dynasties, located in Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an). Built in 200 BC, it served as the administrative center and imperial residence for centuries. At 4.8 km², it was the largest palace ever built on Earth,6.7 times the size of the Forbidden City. Today, little remains of the former palace, but the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Silk Road.

Don't miss

• The sheer scale: 4.8 km², making it the largest palace ever built,6.7 times the size of the Forbidden City.
• The rectangular palace complex, surrounded by walls 2,150 meters east–west and 2,250 meters north–south.
• The eastern and northern gates, which faced Chang'an city and were built with gate towers.
• Major halls like the Front Hall, Xuanshi Hall, and Wenshi Hall, though only their names survive.
• The site's UNESCO World Heritage status, recognized in 2014 as part of the Silk Road.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Weiyang Palace

Cheapest way inXi'an: Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour & Local Family Lunch5★ · 112 travelers6-7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →Best full dayMini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar4.9★ · 1,542 travelers9-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleXi’an Private Day Tour:Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda&Pottery5★ · 31 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• The site is located in modern-day Xi'an, on the former grounds of Han dynasty Chang'an.
• Little remains of the original palace structures; the visit is about the historical site and its scale.
• The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 2014 along with other Silk Road sites.

A bit of history

The palace was built in 200 BC at the request of Emperor Gaozu of Han, under the supervision of his prime minister Xiao He. It served the Western Han, Xin dynasty, Eastern Han, Western Jin, Han-Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, and early Sui dynasty. It survived until the Tang dynasty, when it was burned down by marauding invaders en route to the Tang capital Chang'an.