Kaiyuan Square

Kaiyuan Square, a key component of the Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps, is located on Yanta South Road in Xi’an, in front of the Qujiang Calligraphy and Painting Art Museum. Kaiyuan Square forms a north-south line with Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xuanzang Square, and the Tang Dynasty Figure Sculpture Gallery, forming a tightly connected north-south connection.Kaiyuan Square, named after the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, is historically known as the “Kaiyuan Prosperity,” a period widely recognized as China’s golden age. The “Zizhi Tongjian” records that during this period, “mountains and ravines abounded, plows and hoes were full, wine and food abounded, prices were low, commerce flourished, roads were smooth, and travel was safe.” Kaiyuan Square uses sculptures and text to showcase and explain the Kaiyuan Prosperity’s history, including science, culture, and foreign exchange.Unlike the gentler Xuanzang Square and the more freehand Zhenguan Square, Kaiyuan Square exudes a rich, celebratory atmosphere. The square boasts approximately 1,300 square meters of green space and features water features and fountains. In the center of the square, there is a sculpture with the theme of the Prosperous Kaiyuan Era and eight LED-lit dragon pillars, which fully demonstrate the grand celebration scene of the prosperous and splendor of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, with the emperor and the people enjoying themselves together, and singing and dancing. It is a beautiful presence in the central landscape belt of the Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps.