Traveling Back in Time To The Biggest City in The World: Chang'An

Chang'an, a historical city where 12 dynasties set their capitals here. Among them, the last one, Tang Dynasty, brought the ultimate prosperity to the city, leaving an indelible picture in Chinese history. It is said that Chang'an once boasted a population of over 1 million residents, and was the biggest city in the world. Now, you are a highly valued ambassador, and you are allowed to tour around the city. What will you see then? As a newcomer, you take out a map of the city. Upon the first look at the city's map, you are stunned by how orderly the city layout is. As a Tang poet described, the myriad houses resemble the chessboard, the dozen avenues like planted furrows. As you look closely, you immediately notice there is a bigger area in the north part that differentiates itself from the rest of the city. That belongs to Palace City. And also where you are. Here, you were just summoned to see the Emperor, right in the middle of Daming Palace. This is also where the Emperor and most of his family live. However, on the map, there's another part of Palace City in the south. You heard that it was the Emperor's old home. Your guide tells you it is because Daming Palace locates at Longshou Mountain, which not only makes it look magnificent, but also much drier than Taiji Palace. You nodded and decided to leave the Palace City. Once you are out of the gate, you are welcomed by a huge road which separates the Palace City from Imperial City. The widest part of the road has reached over 200 meters. Your guide explains that it is because it's a venue as well. In fact, the main gate, Chengtian Gate, will host major court meetings every now and then. With such a goal of capacity, the road is basically designed to be a square. Heading south, you are now in the Imperial City, where all the major government departments and ministries are. You are actually more familiar with this area, since the hotel where you stayed is right next to the main gate of Imperial City. Having been staying here for a couple of days, you want to take a look at the outer city and buy some souvenirs. You head out straight to the southwest. That's where the West Market is. There, you find not only beautiful Tang figurines, but also many more western goods from countries along the Silk Road, an ancient trading route linking Asia and Europe. After splurging, you think it's time to go sightseeing, so you go to Lichuan Ward, which is right next to West Market, to see Nestorian Church and Zoroastrian Church. Most of these foreign churches are built around the West Market, since this area is where most foreigners gather. Having seen the western religious buildings, you think you have to see the Chinese ones as well, so you then go to Dazhen Temple, Temple of Mercy and Kindness, and climb up the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, which was initiated and managed by monk Xuanzang. As you look afar, a piece of grassland came into your eyes. You take a look at the map. It is the most popular park in Chang'an, Serpentine River Park. It's a beautiful spring day. Many people are admiring flowers, laughing and playing by the lake. Sitting by the water, you enjoy this moment of conviviality. At last, you come to the main gate, Mingde Gate. It is 55.5 meters wide and 17.5 meters deep. Here, a large flow of people is entering and exiting the city. That's just normal for a city with at least 700,000 residents. Just when your mind starts to drift, some loud drum sounds break your peace. That's your sign to leave. Every day, after hitting the drum 800 times, the curfew will begin and no one should wander in the street, except for some specially approved occasions. And now, you should head back to the hotel, record your journey, count your treasures, and finish this long yet exciting day.