Visitors to the Shanghai Expo are getting a glimpse of the latest in modern technology and life in the future, but they can also experience the splendor of ancient China's Daming Palace.

A 740-sq-m full-sized replica of Qifengge Palace - literally "home of the phoenix", a part of the ancient Daming complex - has been built in Urban Best Practices Zone of the Expo.

Daming Palace in Xi'an, Shaanxi province was the political and cultural center of China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) where more than 17 emperors lived and presided over affairs of state.

"The palace replica demonstrates splendid ancient China for visitors from around the world," Duan Xiannian, vice-mayor of Xi'an, said at the opening ceremony for Xi'an Day on Monday.

"It also showcases how Xi'an has achieved a balance between preservation of historic heritage and urban expansion."

At the pavilion's exhibition center, visitors can have an adventure in the ancient palace through the 3-D film Flying Over Daming Palace.

The film, shown on a 15-by-5-m arc screen, enables viewers to time travel from the Tang Dynasty to a cultural heritage park in Xi'an, scheduled to open on Oct 1.

"Daming Palace was representative of the most prosperous period of China's feudal society," Duan said.

"Through the experience of flying over the great palace and the ancient capital city more than 1,000 years ago, visitors can be inspired to achieve a bright future and make a better city and better life."

A balance between protection of historical heritage and urban development construction should be maintained in urban development, he added.

As well, precious cultural relics unearthed from the ancient palace site are on display at the exhibition center.

"We were particularly awed by the Daming Palace pavilion. It gave us a wonderful experience," said a man surnamed Chen, a visitor from Liuzhou in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

"I have never been to Xi'an. My limited knowledge about the ancient city was from school textbooks. I'm very happy that I could have a chance to see the ancient palace, though it's a replica."

" I think another important point is that local government protected the ancient site," he added.

In addition to the virtual journey, the city of Xi'an is also inviting visitors for a real trip to Daming Palace National Heritage Park, a 3.2-sq-km historical site.

The local government has been taking measures to protect the palace since 1950s. Renovation of the main structure of the Daming Palace was completed on January 28.

By Wang HongYi (China Daily)

(China Daily 08/18/2010 page24)