China is known for its landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, but it has hidden gems as well; the Daming Palace is one of them. Its existence since the Tang Dynasty and astounding size – 15x the size of Buckingham Palace! – has resulted in its being a cultural heritage site that showcases a significant part of the country’s imperial history. Its revolutionary design and concepts also influenced that of other royal structures of neighbouring countries back then. The palace, which was actually a cluster of palaces and other buildings, was divided into two areas: Qian Chao and Nei Ting. The emperors held court at Qian Chao while they relaxed and engaged in leisurely activities at Nei Ting. In Qian Chao, the Hanyuan Palace held the greatest importance as it reflected superb architecture for its time. Ceremonies and welcoming of foreign ambassadors also took place here.

There is much to see in the Daming Palace beyond the palaces. Look out for the beautiful pavilions, towers, and ponds as you stroll in the gardens. Unfortunately, as the entire site was burned during the war at the end of the Tang Dynasty, it is now a shadow of its past.