The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced a new batch of 21 national 5A-level scenic spots that meet its requirements on Dec 16, and the Daming Palace Scenic Spot in Xi'an, the capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, was included on the list.

The beautiful scenery of Daming Palace in Xi'an. [Photo/CFP]

Daming Palace was the most magnificent palace complex in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the largest palace complex in the world at that time.

It was first built in 634 as the political center during the Tang Dynasty, covering an area of 3.2 square kilometers.

The imposing landscape of Daming Palace. [Photo/CFP]

With a perimeter of 7.6 kilometers, Daming Palace had 11 gates and a central axis symmetrical layout. The palace complex's front section is composed of Danfeng Gate, Hanyuan Hall, Xuanzheng Hall and Zichen Hall.

With Taiye Pool as the center, dozens of halls and pavilions are distributed in the back section, such as Linde Hall, Sanqing Hall, Dafu Hall and Qingsi Hall.

The water on the square at Daming Palace Scenic Spot reflects a snow-covered Danfeng Gate. [Photo/CFP]

The palace also has countless attractive and elegant buildings, including pavilions, towers and corridors.

On June 22, “Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang'an-Tian Shan Corridor” was included on UNESCO's world heritage list, and Daming Palace is among the corridor's historical sites.

Address: No 585 Ziqiang East Road, Xincheng district, Xi'an, Shaanxi province

Ticket: 60 yuan ($9.19)