Tang Paradise (Photo/Xinhua)

Top 8: Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园)

Tang Paradise, or Lotus Garden, is located next to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an. It is China's first large-scale theme garden that clearly represents the styles and features of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

It covers a total area of 1,000 mu (66.7 hectares), of which 300 mu is water, and is also the largest theme park in the northwestern region of China. The park is one of several modern reconstructions of ancient sites in Shaanxi, boasting numerous magnificent buildings, wide squares, and elegant gardens. It consists of 12 themed cultural zones which cover the topics of the emperor, poetry, food, tea culture, religion, dance, imperial examinations and science, and a demonstration of the history and culture of the Tang Dynasty.

Admission: 90 yuan (Mar 1 to Nov 30); 45 yuan (Dec 1 to Feb 28/29)

Best time to visit: Spring and summer