Chinatodo
After the rain clears, Xi'an's most popular photo spot comes alive again. The elevator fills with strangers capturing time-lapses, exchanging knowing smiles. In the frame, the Qinling Mountains stand like ink wash, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda glows in sunset hues, the TV Tower lights up at dusk, and fountains scatter neon across the water. Everyone adjusts their angles, chasing the perfect shot—but in this city, even a random snapshot holds the soul of Chang'an.
When the Danfeng Gate of Daming Palace lit up for Dragon Boat Festival, magic happened. Through my lens, the 1,300-year-old Tang Dynasty monument stood proudly against Xi'an's glowing Hi-Tech CBD skyline, with the silhouette of Qinling's Guifeng Mountain completing this extraordinary triptych. This single frame encapsulates Xi'an's soul — where imperial legacy, cutting-edge progress, and eternal nature converge under the same starry sky.
Xi'an's central axis stretches from the Bell Tower to the TV Tower, extending all the way to the Qinling Mountains. The Bell Tower guards centuries of history, the TV Tower flickers with modern lights, while the Qinling Mountains lie like a silent dragon, connecting the past and the future. Along this line, ancient charm meets urban vibrancy, and humanity encounters nature.
I rarely shoot nightscapes, but this time I chose to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda after dark. The moment the pagoda and the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City lit up, I finally understood what "the golden age of Chang'an" truly meant. This might be the easiest ground-level spot to capture a stunning aerial-like view of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda—no drone needed! Location: Hou Cun Jia Yuan, Building 1 (10-minute walk from the North Square of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda)Access: No keycard required—easy entryNote: Be respectful of residents while shooting
Top Attractions in Xi'an Terracotta Warriors – Marvel at the life-sized clay army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – A Tang Dynasty Buddhist landmark with panoramic city views. Xi'an City Wall – Cycle along the best-preserved ancient fortification in China. Muslim Quarter – A bustling food street offering authentic local flavors.