Ever since the Chinese historical drama "The Longest Day in Chang'an" aired online in 2019, everything related to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) has continued to gain popularity in China. From its architectural styles to city life, from costumes to music, the TV series has sparked interest in this ancient dynasty among the younger generations.
Located in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, buildings in the tourist block feature Tang Dynasty architectural styles. /CFP
The drama series is set in Chang'an, the ancient capital of the Tang Dynasty, which is known today as Xi'an. The popularity of the show prompted city officials to replicate buildings and scenes from the drama and build a "The Longest Day in Chang'an" themed tourist block in the city in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Visitors dressed in traditional Chinese costumes take photos in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province. /CFP
The block is the first ever scenic spot themed around the Tang Dynasty, featuring the historical and cultural styles of the period while aiming to recreate the ancient lifestyle. It covers a commercial space of 24,000 square meters and incorporates supporting tourism facilities. Since it opened last year, the block has attracted tens of thousands of visitors, and it's now building on its success to offer more artistic installations and performances.
Performers show off their beautiful costumes in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province. /CFP
Groups of talented artists often gather to stage eye-catching performances in the block, including song and dance shows, musical recitals and dramas. The block uses the latest cutting-edge technology to reproduce dramatic scenes and beautiful scenery from the series, offering an auto-visual feast for visitors. Walking around the block, visitors will feel like they have been transported back in time to a thousand years ago.
It is also an outstanding example of how dramatic scenes from works of fiction can be transformed into real-life attractions to help develop a local tourism industry. As video platforms and livestream services continue to boom, more and more drama fans will watch these shows online and develop an interest in visiting these locations in person.
The intricate architectural styles of the Tang Dynasty, the captivating performances, the one-stop services for renting traditional costumes and taking photos, and the local delicacies - all these offer tourists an immersive experience of the "travel back in time to the Tang Dynasty" tourism project.