Step into the vibrant world of Datang Never Night City (大唐不夜城, Dàtáng Bù Yè Chéng) in Xi’an, where history meets dazzling nightlife. From the hilarious Never-Falling Lady and the interactive show Back to Chang’an to the musical fountains, light-and-shadow Yanta Stories , and iconic statues of Tang Dynasty celebrities, there’s something for everyone. Stretching 2 kilometers with food, performances, and fun around every corner, this pedestrian cultural district guarantees an unforgettable evening. Plan your visit wisely, and enjoy the lights, performances, and immersive experiences that make Xi’an shine after dark.
Datang Never Night City: More Than Just The Secret Box of the Great Tang
Ever since it opened, Datang Never Night City (大唐不夜城, Dàtáng Bù Yè Chéng) has become one of Xi’an’s most talked-about attractions—thanks to its endlessly creative performances. It all began with the stunning “Miss Budaoweng” (the “Never-Falling Lady”), followed by the wildly popular show “The Secret Box of the Great Tang” (Shèng Táng Mì Hé, 盛唐密盒). Simply put, your trip to Xi’an isn’t complete without experiencing this dazzling place at least once.
Traveler Tip:
Regular days require 1–2 hours of queueing to enter the performance area. During holidays, a 30-minute wait is nearly impossible , and some shows adjust their viewing access in real time—so always check the on-site announcements.
Must-See Performances
1. Watch The Secret Box of the Great Tang — and Join the Fun
The two lively actors of The Secret Box of the Great Tang are now just as famous as Universal Studio’s “talkative Megatron.” Their quick-witted questions and spontaneous humor make every performance highly interactive. Expect them to reference modern memes or even schoolbook jokes in a playful way—like teasing kids with lines from viral pop songs such as “Aini gushen zou anxiang” (“Love you, walking alone in the dark alley”).
Even if you don’t plan to take photos, the buzzing crowd—like a press conference of laughter—will pull you in. And yes, by the end, they’ll definitely invite you to snap a picture!
Show Times (subject to change):
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19:20–19:30
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20:00–20:10
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21:00–21:10
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22:00–22:10
Location: North side of Shishi Ruyi (near Xi’an Fanzhuang , a classic local restaurant)
2. Shake Hands with the “Never-Falling Lady”
The elegant Miss Budaoweng performance takes place at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Ta Bei Guangchang, 大雁塔北广场) in the Wuling Jiayun area.
Show times:
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18:30–19:40
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22:30–22:40
(Subject to official schedule updates.)
3. Trade Poems with the “Immortal Poet” Li Bai
Among the cheers and laughter, you might suddenly meet Li Bai (Lǐ Bái, 李白) —the legendary Tang Dynasty poet—reciting verses and challenging you to a playful poetry duel. His unexpected appearances bring a poetic calm to the city’s lively night scene, making the Great Tang spirit come alive in the most charming way.
More Highlights at Datang Never Night City
Datang Never Night City (大唐不夜城, Dàtáng Bù Yè Chéng) is actually a vast pedestrian area centered around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dàyàn Tǎ, 大雁塔) , made up of several themed cultural blocks. Beyond the famous shows, there are plenty of other attractions worth exploring.
1. The Musical Fountain at the North Square
A must-visit photo spot! The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain (Dàyàn Tǎ Yīnyuè Pēnquán, 大雁塔音乐喷泉) is one of Xi’an’s most iconic scenes—massive in scale and stunning in visuals, especially at night.
Show times:
12:00–12:15 / 16:00–16:15 / 19:00–19:15 / 21:00–21:15
2. Back to Chang’an Performance at Kaiyuan Square
At Kaiyuan Square (Kāiyuán Guǎngchǎng, 开元广场) , don’t miss the large-scale live show “Back to Chang’an” (Zài Huí Cháng’ān, 再回长安). The performance follows the legendary poet Bai Juyi (Bái Jūyì, 白居易) as he journeys through time, weaving together the past and present of Xi’an through music, dance, and storytelling.
3. Yanta Stories — A Light & Shadow Wonderland
The South Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dàyàn Tǎ Nán Guǎngchǎng, 大雁塔南广场) is perfect for families with kids—affectionately called “the little beasts” in Chinese!
Here you’ll find “Yanta Stories” (Yàntǎ Gùshì, 雁塔故事) , a light-and-shadow theme park inspired by the classic tale Journey to the West. Parents can join their children in reliving the adventures of Monkey King and friends in an immersive and fun setting.
4. Meet the “Ancient Celebrities”
All around Datang Never Night City (大唐不夜城, Dàtáng Bù Yè Chéng) , you’ll spot statues of historical figures like Li Bai , Meng Haoran , and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (Táng Xuánzōng, 唐玄宗). It’s like a mini star-hunt for history lovers—see how many “Tang Dynasty celebrities” you can find and take photos with!
🌙 Traveler Tips
Arrive at the North Square around 6:00 PM to catch the musical fountain before the night shows begin. The first “Never-Falling Lady” performance starts at 7:30 PM , and if you want a front-row view, line up 30 minutes early.
As night falls, the city transforms with lights, music, and live art performances everywhere. While it’s called the “Never Night City” , it doesn’t stay lit forever—lights go off at midnight. So plan your visit accordingly and make the most of Xi’an’s magical evening!
Practical Information for Visiting Datang Never Night City
How to Get There
You can easily reach Datang Never Night City (大唐不夜城, Dàtáng Bù Yè Chéng) via Metro Line 4 or Metro Line 3.
Ticketing & Admission
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Entry to the pedestrian area: Free of charge
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Free shows within the area: Back to Chang’an (Zài Huí Cháng’ān, 再回长安), Never-Falling Lady performance, and the Musical Fountain
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Paid attractions: Yanta Stories (Yàntǎ Gùshì, 雁塔故事)
Nighttime Experience
The nightscape here is phenomenal—outshining many other cities! Stretching 2 kilometers , the area is packed with food, drinks, entertainment, and performances: traditional opera, singing, acrobatics—you name it. You’ll be having so much fun that fatigue is the last thing on your mind.
For the best view, head to the fourth floor of Joy City at the South Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dàyàn Tǎ Nán Guǎngchǎng, 大雁塔南广场). From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the South Square, the pagoda, and the entire Never Night City—perfect for photos!
Tips & Precautions
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Performances may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather , so always check live updates and official announcements on-site.
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During holidays, some shows might be canceled or adjusted because of crowd control—check the official WeChat account for notices.
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On regular days, expect to queue at least 1–2 hours for indoor performances. On holidays, make sure to reserve ample time , as waiting times can be significantly longer.