A magnificent Buddha light on a sunny day

The Secret of the Tang Dynasty Decoded! This stone elephant at the Great Ci'en Temple in Xi'an hides 8 Tang Dynasty Easter eggs 🐘 ✨Top icon of Chang'an! The stone elephant carries the entire grandeur of the Tang Dynasty🏯 This adorable stone elephant is no ordinary sculpture! Every pattern is a code from Tang Dynasty craftsmen. If you crouch down and look closely, you’ll find 8 exquisite Tang-style designs hidden in the lotus base—scroll patterns, auspicious flowers, bead patterns... a 1300-year-old aesthetic masterpiece! 📍Address: No. 1 Ci'en Road, Yanta District (5-minute walk from Dayan Pagoda Station Exit C, Metro Lines 3/4) 🕒Opening Hours: Peak season (March-November) 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM | Off-season (December-February) 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM 🐘Must-see highlights: 1️⃣ Stone Elephant Lotus Base: Walk around to the side and crouch for a photo! Sunlight filtering through the ancient eaves casts beautiful light spots on the stone carving 2️⃣ Dayan Pagoda Diagonal: Stand at the 45° angle pointed by the elephant’s trunk to frame both the Tang Pagoda and the stone elephant in one shot 💡Fun facts: • Elephant ears drooping on shoulders = prosperous era vibe; curled trunk pointing skyward is a unique Tang Dynasty design • The park is least crowded one hour before closing at 5:00 PM; photos taken when golden light shines through the pagoda are legendary 📸Hidden activities: 1. Find all 8 Tang patterns and get a limited edition stamp from the staff 2. On the back wall of the Great Buddha Hall, there’s a bas-relief of Xuanzang’s pilgrimage—don’t forget to touch the elephant’s hoof for wisdom