Written by Clementine |
As one of the pioneers of China’s cultural tourism performances, Xian has presented an immersive Tang Dynasty Show – the Empress of Great Tang. It stands out because of the creative combination of Tang-style dance and song performances with the imperial-style banquet and dumpling feast.
More than just a performance and a meal, it offers visitors a fully immersive journey into the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, making it a top experience for both domestic and international tourists.
In this guide, you will discover the highlights of the show and dumpling banquet, as well as the practical information about the tickets, schedule and transportation.
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- Useful Information about the Show
- What is the show about?
- Highlights of the Performance
- Xian’s Famous Dumpling Banquet
- Why Popular?
- Nearby Attractions
- Travel with China Xian Tour
- FAQs
Useful Information about the Show
- Chinese name: 大唐女皇 （Da Tang Nv Huang）
- Venue: Tang Dynasty Palace (No. 75, Chang’an North Road, Beilin District, Xian)
- How to Get there:
- Take metro line 2 to Tiyuchang Station exit C or D and walk north for about 5 minutes.
- Take metro line 5 to Nanshaomen Station exit C and walk south for about 8 minutes.
- Schedule:
Regular days: Dinner: 18:00; Performance: 19:30 – 20:30;
Holidays and peak tourist seasons: An additional show will be available with dinner at 20:30 and performance at 20:50 – 21:50.
- Tickets:
For the show only:
Ticket Type |
Price |
Standard Seat |
CNY 268 |
Premium Seat (with better views) |
CNY 298 |
VIP Seat (Front-row or center seating) |
CNY 380 |
Ticket Package including dinner
Package |
Price |
Includes |
Dumpling Banquet + Show Package (Standard Seat) |
CNY 350–400 |
Performance ticket + Xi’an’s characteristic dumpling banquet (most popular and good value for money) |
Imperial Banquet + Show Package (Standard Seat) |
CNY 550–580 |
Performance ticket + a royal-style banquet (a more luxurious dining experience) |
Note:
- The price varies based on the seating location, ticketing platforms, and holiday periods. Please check the latest price before booking.
- Children taller than 1.2 meters require a full-price ticket.
What is the Empress of Great Tang about?
The Empress of Great Tang is the first large-scale indoor Tang Dynasty song and dance show in China. Since its debut in 1988, it has become an iconic performance in Xian and has been praised as the “Broadway of the East”.
Told from the perspective of Princess Taiping, this drama recreates the legendary life story of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in China. It is divided into 5 chapters, tracing her journey from entering the imperial palace as a concubine at the age of 14, ruling alongside Emperor Gaozong, to finally ascending to the throne at the age of 67.
This historical performance also vividly shows the grandeur and court culture of the glorious Tang Dynasty.
Highlights of the Performance
Meticulously Recreated Costumes and Props
Each dance performance is inspired by the murals and historical records of the Tang Dynasty discovered in Xian. To present the elegance and luxury of the golden era of the Tang Dynasty, the costumes, hairstyles and stage design have been recreated perfectly based on research into cultural relics and artworks in the museum.
Live Traditional Orchestra
The performance is accompanied by a professional classical Chinese orchestra on site. More than 10 traditional Tang-style instruments are used, including bronze bells, guzheng, pipa, panpipes, etc. This is the only Tang culture show in Xian with a full live orchestra, transporting you back to the imperial court of the Tang Dynasty.
Cutting Cake with Guan Yu’s Great Sword (Most Famous)
This ceremony is designed especially for guests celebrating their birthday. Led by Wu Zetian, palace maids will invite the guest to cut the cake with a replica of Guan Yu’s Great Sword, a legendary weapon used by the famous ancient general Guan Yu. The dramatic contrast between a powerful weapon and a joyful celebration offers an unforgettable moment, making it a viral sensation on social media.
Imperial Blessing Ceremony by the Imperial Concubine
Besides cutting the cake, birthday guests can also take part in this special ceremony. The imperial concubine may offer toasts, birthday wishes or small gifts to guests. An ordinary birthday becomes a royal-style celebration.
Immersive Cultural Experience – Make Dumplings
Before or after the performance, visitors can make dumplings under the guidance of a professional chef. You will learn how to make beautifully shaped Tang-style dumplings. It will be an interesting and memorable way to experience the culinary culture of Tang Dynasty.
Xian’s Famous Dumpling Banquet
The Dumpling Banquet is another highlight of the experience. Far more than an ordinary meal, it also gives tourists a glimpse into the culinary traditions in the Tang Dynasty.
- Time-honored classic dumpling banquet:Tang Dynasty Palace is a long-established restaurant in Xian. Its dumpling banquet has won a national culinary award called “Golden Tripod Award” in 1989 and has been regarded as one of the famous Chinese traditional delicacies ever since.
- Over 100 types of Dumplings: The banquet features over 100 kinds of dumplings with fillings ranging from meat and vegetables to nuts. And the dumplings are prepared using a variety of cooking methods – steamed, boiled, pan-fried, and deep-fried. Even more impressive arethe creative shapes, such as golden fishes and flowers, thus reputed to be the edible works of art.
Tips: The restaurant also offers halal-friendly options for Muslim guests, like beef dishes and meals without pork fat or alcohol-based seasonings. It is recommended to make a reservation one day in advance and inform of your dietary requirements.
- Profound History: Dumplings used to be the imperial tribute food during the Tang Dynasty. Today, the restaurant keeps this centuries-old food tradition alive through its famous dumpling banquet.
Why International Travelers Love the Tang Dynasty Show
Tang Dynasty Palace has become one of the top destinations in Xian for international travelers to experience Chinese culture. Here are a few reasons why travelers enjoy this experience:
1. A Performance That Goes Beyond Language Barriers
To ensure that tourists from all over the world can enjoy the show, it is presented with more music and dance performances and fewer dialogues. What’s more, real-time English subtitles are displayed on screens inside the theater, and bilingual brochures are available. So, even if you don’t speak Chinese, it is easy to follow the story through the music and dance.
2. A Cultural Journey Into the Tang Dynasty
In the 60-minute performance, the traditional costumes, folk music, royal etiquette and court dances are all seamlessly combined. Travelers can get to know the art and culture of the Tang Dynasty within a short time.
3. A Perfect Combination of Dining and Performance
Tourists can taste authentic Dumpling Banquet while appreciating the magnificent music and dance performance. This unique combination offers you a multi-sensory experience of food, music, and visual performance, making it a perfect experience in the evening.
4. Interactive Experiences and Etiquette Learning
The actors will interact with spectators during the show. Besides, tourists can try on traditional Hanfu, experience Tang-style makeup and learn the Tang Dynasty greeting gestures in advance. In this way, you become a participant instead of an onlooker, truly achieving the immersive experience of “being a Tang Dynasty person for a day”.
Top Attractions Near Tang Dynasty Palace
Tang Dynasty Palace is located in downtown Xian and is close to many popular attractions. You can combine them with the performance in one day.
Attraction |
Distance |
Transportation |
Highlights |
Xian Museum & Small Wild Goose Pagoda |
1.2 km |
About 15 minutes on foot |
Free admission; Tang Dynasty Small Wild Goose Pagoda, rich collections in Xian Museum, tranquil environment |
Xian City Wall (Yongning Gate) |
1.5 km |
About 20 minutes on foot |
Visitors can stroll or cycle along the wall, wonderful night views, great photography spots |
Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Datang Everbright City |
2.7 km |
About 10 minutes by taxi |
One of the iconic landmarks of Xian; music fountain, light show, Tang-style streetscape, best place for a night tour |
Xian Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles) |
2.8 km |
About 10 minutes by taxi |
Treasury of Chinese calligraphy, home to famous stone steles from several dynasties, can be visited together with the Shuyuanmen Cultural Street to experience the strong cultural atmosphere |
Enjoy an Immersive Xian Trip with China Xian Tours
The Empress of Great Tang performance and dumpling banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace is a highlight of Xian’s nightlife because of its rich history, stunning artistic performances, immersive cultural experiences, and thoughtful service. It has transformed traditional Chinese culture into an unforgettable and deeply engaging experience for visitors.
If you want an in-depth Xian tour, China Xian Tour is glad to customize a trip based on your needs. Our itinerary can include both the performances and other must-visit scenic spots you prefer. Besides, our price is 100% transparent and we promise the best value based on comparable service. Just contact us now to start your perfect travel.
FAQs About the Tang Dynasty Show
Can I choose my own seat? Which seat is the best?
No, tourists can not choose the seat by themselves. Generally, it is arranged by the theater based on the order of booking. The front rows directly facing the main stage offer the best view.
Are there any dress codes? Can I take photos or videos?
No, there is no strict dress code. But it is recommended to wear decent and comfortable clothes. Photos and videos are usually permitted during the performances, but please do not use the flashlight.
