Ancient allure seen through a screen

For example, after The Longest Day in Chang'an mentioned the Tang's imperial palace that was destroyed by war at the end of the dynasty, the national heritage park hosting the site offered free tickets on weekends to anyone showing up in traditional Chinese attire before Aug 31.

"It shows how an ancient city can delve into its rich history and translate its intangible cultural wealth into robust tourism," Yan says.

Xi'an's culture and tourism bureau has called upon the city's cultural sites and museums to promote Tang culture, as it specifically relates to them, through traditional and new media.

The bureau plans to develop more creative cultural products since ancient costumes, etiquette and smaller props that appear in the series are among the elements that appeal most to audiences and, consequently, tourists.

It will also organize cultural activities for inbound travelers, such as opportunities to wear Tang clothing and participate in ancient ceremonies.

The bureau is also creating new itineraries based on scenes and food from the series.

"The drama vividly showcases intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional papermaking and Lantern Festival customs," says Wang Zhi, deputy director of Xi'an's intangible cultural heritage protection center.

"The thriller has sparked hot debate among young people about comparisons between various aspects of life now and in the Tang era, such as military-alarm systems and timekeeping methods."

He says the online drama focuses on historical accuracy and the authentic portrayal of daily life during the era, showing young people the magnificence and prosperity of Chang'an at the time.

And, apparently, many of them are interested enough to explore it for themselves.