“The scale, measurements and shape of Danfeng Gate are built in strict Tang style,” says Zhang Jinqiu. Actually, the reconstructed Danfeng Gate is a museum built on the site of the Tang Dynasty Danfeng Gate. Visitors have a panoramic view of its archaeological excavation. To protect the ruins, the new edifice stands 0.6 meters from the ruins, and can be dismantled easily when the big dig begins.

The design for the palace adds a two-meter-thick layer of earth on a foundation of rammed earth. On this base, impermanent steel structures will be put up to recreate the palace’s structure, and on this platform trees and grass will be planted to simulate occupancy.

The Daming Palace Ruins Region actually acts as a “green lung” for Xi’an, expanding its green area to over 70 percent. The park administrator hopes that it can play a role similar to Central Park in New York City, alleviating the city’s hot island effect, lowering temperatures, removing dust and filtering the air.

“Daming Palace is an exemplary building and a hallmark of Chinese history; it has huge economic value that will become evident in the future. We can be proud of the Daming Palace Ruins Region as a Chinese model and an Oriental model for the protection of cultural heritage,” concludes Giora Solar.