Emperor Xuanzong ascended the throne in 712 AD. Initially, he ruled with wisdom and leniency, valuing talent and appointing virtuous officials, which made the government efficient and social order good. He also implemented tax reduction policies, encouraged the reclamation of wasteland and agricultural production, promoting the prosperity of the social economy and creating the Kaiyuan Era (712-741). During this period, the Tang Dynasty's economy flourished, commercial activities were vibrant, and soft power in academics, literature, and the arts greatly developed. Outstanding achievements were made in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and other fields.
During the Kaiyuan Era, society was stable, the people were prosperous, the nation was strong, and its prestige spread far and wide. The capital, Chang'an, became the world's most prosperous international metropolis, with a population of over a million, attracting merchants from Central Asia, West Asia, India, and even Rome to do business there. Envoys from countries like Persia, Tibet, and the Turks frequently visited Chang'an, promoting diplomatic, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Monks from India also came to Chang'an to translate Buddhist scriptures and teach Buddhist doctrines, promoting the spread and development of Buddhism. The openness and inclusiveness made Chang'an a center where diverse cultures converged.
In the years following the Kaiyuan Era, Chang'an continued to enjoy the prosperity of the golden age. The wide Zhuque Avenue lay like a giant dragon in the center of the city, with neatly arranged roadside trees on both sides, and bustling crowds of people, including commoners in simple clothing, officials in elaborate robes, and distant travelers, all marveling at and curious about the city. Horse-drawn carriages, sedan chairs, and camel caravans moved slowly through the streets, with the sounds of wheels and hooves intermingling.
The markets along the streets were even more lively, with a wide variety of goods on display, from exquisite silks to precious porcelain, fresh fruits to aromatic snacks, all attracting the attention of customers. The hawkers' cries, customers' bargaining, and occasional musical performances filled the air. The streets were not only a hub of commerce but also a place of cultural exchange, with bookstores, galleries, and poetry societies everywhere to be seen. Scholars and poets exchanged ideas in teahouses, composing poems and leaving behind many masterpieces. Chang'an's streets were not only a convergence point for goods but also a gathering place for spirits, showcasing the brilliance of an era.