Step into the world of 7th-century China, where the Daming Palace stood as the glittering heart of the Tang Dynasty. Located in ancient Chang'an (now Xi'an), this UNESCO World Heritage Site wasn't just a palace – it was a medieval megacity spanning 3.2 sq km, larger than four Vatican Cities combined!
Blueprint of Power 🗺️
The palace's iconic three-hall layout – Hanyuan, Xuanzheng, and Zichen – created a dramatic north-south axis that inspired imperial designs across East Asia. Imagine ornate towers flanking ceremonial squares where envoys from across Eurasia once marveled at Tang splendor 🎎. Archaeologists call its symmetrical gate-and-pavilion arrangement 'a dance of geometry in brick and timber.'
Legacy in Pixels and Mortar 🖥️
While only 15% of the original structures remain, @CGTN's new Tang Architecture: Building Timeless Glory digital exhibition lets you virtually wander through reconstructed halls. From curved eaves that 'kissed the clouds' to earthquake-resistant pillars, discover engineering feats that predate modern skyscrapers by 1,300 years 🏗️.
