A Tang-dynasty imperial hot-spring retreat at the foot of Mount Li, famous as the setting of Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang Guifei's romance and the 1936 Xi'an Incident.
Huaqing Palace sits at the foot of Mount Li in Lintong District, built around natural hot springs that have drawn bathers since the Zhou dynasty and reached their most famous form under the Tang dynasty, when Emperor Xuanzong built an elaborate palace complex here as a retreat for himself and his beloved consort Yang Guifei. The site's excavated bathhouse foundations, including the Lotus Flower Pool believed used by the emperor and the smaller Begonia Pool associated with Yang Guifei, are displayed under protective pavilions along with informational panels on Tang-dynasty bathing culture and palace life. Formal gardens with pavilions, covered walkways, and ornamental pools recreate the setting of Tang-dynasty imperial leisure, and a large statue of Yang Guifei near the entrance references the site's enduring association with one of Chinese literature's most retold romantic tragedies, later commemorated in the poet Bai Juyi's poem 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow'. The site carries a second, very different historical weight: in December 1936, Nationalist generals held Chiang Kai-shek here in the Xi'an Incident, a standoff that pressured him into an alliance with the Communists against Japanese invasion; a preserved building on the grounds, still marked with bullet holes from the episode, documents this modern history alongside the ancient one. Visitors typically spend 2 to 3 hours walking the gardens, viewing the excavated bath pools, and visiting the Xi'an Incident memorial hall. In the evening, a large-scale outdoor theatrical performance titled 'The Song of Everlasting Sorrow', staged against the natural backdrop of Mount Li with a cast of hundreds, dramatizes the story of Xuanzong and Yang Guifei; this show requires a separate ticket and advance booking, particularly in peak season, and is a popular add-on for visitors staying until evening. Huaqing Palace sits close enough to the Terracotta Army, about a 10 to 15 minute taxi ride, that the two are commonly combined into a single day trip from central Xi'an.
| Admission | Adult ¥150 (~$21) Mar-Nov; ¥120 (~$17) Dec-Feb; evening theatrical show 'The Song of Everlasting Sorrow' ticketed separately · Child Free under 1.2m; free for visitors over 65 with ID |
|---|---|
| Hours | 7:00 AM-7:00 PM Mar 1-Nov 30; 7:30 AM-6:00 PM Dec 1-Feb 28/29 |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Morning for the garden pavilions and bathhouse ruins; evening for the outdoor theatrical performance |
| Getting there | Metro Line 9 to Bahui Station then a connecting bus, or tourist Bus 306 from Xi'an Railway Station, about 5 minutes further than the Terracotta Army stop |
| Address | 38 Huaqing Road, Lishan, Lintong District, Xi'an 710600, Shaanxi, China |
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Shaanxi.
Location
38 Huaqing Road, Lishan, Lintong District, Xi'an 710600, Shaanxi, China
34.3639, 109.2115 View on map
Highlights
- Excavated Tang-dynasty bathhouse pools including the Lotus Flower and Begonia Pools
- Formal gardens and pavilions recreating the imperial retreat's Tang-era setting
- Statue and historical exhibits on Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang Guifei
- Preserved Xi'an Incident site from the pivotal 1936 political standoff
- Evening outdoor theatrical performance 'The Song of Everlasting Sorrow' set against Mount Li
Tips for visiting
- Combine with the Terracotta Army on the same day trip, as the two sites are a short taxi ride apart in Lintong District
- Book the separate evening theatrical performance ticket in advance during peak season, as shows can sell out
- Visit the garden pavilions and bath pools in the morning before the site gets busy with day-trip tour groups
- Look for the bullet-marked building associated with the 1936 Xi'an Incident, easy to miss among the garden pavilions
- Bring a light jacket for evening performances, as outdoor seating can get cool after sunset
- Check seasonal opening and closing times before planning an evening show, as they shift between peak and off-peak months
When to visit
Morning for the calmest walk through the gardens and bath pool pavilions, or evening if attending the outdoor theatrical performance against Mount Li.
Accessibility
Main garden pathways are paved and mostly level, though some bathhouse pavilions sit on raised platforms reached by a few steps without ramp alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Huaqing Palace take?
A daytime visit to the gardens, bath pools, and Xi'an Incident site typically takes 2 to 3 hours; the evening show adds roughly another 1.5 hours.
Is it worth visiting with kids?
The gardens and pools are pleasant for a shorter family visit, though the evening theatrical performance suits older children and adults better given its length and late timing.
Is photography allowed at Huaqing Palace?
Yes, photography is unrestricted throughout the gardens, bath pool pavilions, and Xi'an Incident memorial site.
Do you need a separate ticket for the evening show?
Yes, 'The Song of Everlasting Sorrow' outdoor performance requires its own ticket, separate from general site admission, and advance booking is recommended in peak season.