This is a huge sum compared to the RMB 16 billion of total city revenues generated in 2009. An important source of this funding was, and is, big real estate developers. Duan Xiannian adopted a “reverse order of business.” The government borrowed money to requisition land, conduct city planning and build infrastructure. The prepared land is then auctioned off to recoup the funds. Their viewpoint is that the value of land lies in its environment, and the environment elevates industrial activity.

Before getting involved in the Daming Palace Ruins Region, Duan Xiannian had successfully conducted some large-scale cultural relic projects. His accumulated experience and fundraising skills have made the preservation and reconstruction project a reality.

“Many people have realized that historical splendor can stimulate cultural renaissance in commercial development, and reshape a city’s culture. This is a new industrial model. Historical value increases through cultural renaissance,” says Ren Xi’an, deputy director of the Xi’an Qujiang Daming Palace Ruins Region Preservation and Reconstruction Office.

Seamless History and Modernity

As Daming Palace was the most luxurious palace in Chinese history, people are still debating aspects of the planned restoration.

“To preserve the integrity of the site, no reconstruction is allowed within the ruins region, because the archaeological work has not yet been completed on underground ruins. Archaeological excavation must be considered in construction,” says Zhang Jinqiu, chief architect of Danfeng Gate, the main entrance of the Da-ming Palace.

The buildings above ground were destroyed in 10th-century warfare. Even the debris was damaged in the later years, leaving only some foundations and rammed earth strata.

“On one hand, we hope the ruins of the Daming Palace can reflect the splendor of the Tang Dynasty; on the other, we hope the ruins will be an attractive spectacle in a modern Xi’an and a part of the city life,” says Ren Xi’an.

Danfeng Gate, built at the cost of RMB 130 million, literally links modernity with ancient times. Zhang Jinqiu, who has been engaged in research and design of Tang-style architecture for 30 years, holds that ancient architecture should be blended into the city’s existing environment and layout.