Discover the historic charm and natural beauty of Huaqing Palace (华清宫, Huáqīng Gōng) , located at the foot of Mount Li (Lí Shān, 骊山) near Xi’an. Famous for its Tang Dynasty hot springs , the palace offers a mix of imperial history, stunning architecture, and scenic lakes. Visitors can explore the Tang Imperial Hot Springs Museum, Changsheng Hall (Chángshēng Diàn, 长生殿), Yu King Hall (Yǔ Wáng Diàn, 禹王殿) , and other palace buildings, or capture elegant Hanfu (Hànfú, 汉服) photos by Jiulong Lake (Jiǔlóng Hú, 九龙湖) and Furong Lake (Fúróng Hú, 芙蓉湖).
A highlight not to miss is the spectacular “Song of Everlasting Regret” (Chánghèn Gē, 长恨歌) outdoor performance, blending dramatic lighting, music, and the romantic story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei (Yáng Guìfēi, 杨贵妃). With convenient ticket options, hot spring experiences, and practical travel tips, Huaqing Palace is perfect for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a luxurious yet cultural getaway near Xi’an.
Fun, Food & Hot Springs at Huaqing Palace
Exploring Huaqing Palace
The main attractions at Huaqing Palace (华清宫, Huáqīng Gōng) include the Tang Imperial Hot Springs Museum (Táng Yù Táng Yízhǐ Bówùguǎn, 唐御汤遗址博物馆) , the Xi’an Incident Site (Xī’ān Shìbiàn Jiùzhǐ, 西安事变旧址) , and the palace buildings like Changsheng Hall (Chángshēng Diàn, 长生殿) and Yu King Hall (Yǔ Wáng Diàn, 禹王殿).
Situated at the foot of Mount Li (Lí Shān, 骊山) and not far from the Terracotta Warriors (Bīngmǎyǒng, 兵马俑) , it’s possible to visit all three spots in a single day. After exploring during the day, you can cap off your visit with the famous “Song of Everlasting Regret” (Chánghèn Gē, 长恨歌) evening performance.
Dining at Huaqing Palace
Since Huaqing Palace is a bit far from downtown Xi’an, returning to the city for meals can be inconvenient. You can enjoy a full meal at Yùshànyuàn (御膳苑, Imperial Dining Court) near the West Gate, which focuses on full-course dishes, or grab local specialties and snacks at Guānfēng Lóu (观风楼) near Zhaoyang Gate (Zhāoyáng Mén, 昭阳门).
Hot Spring Experience
Huaqing Palace has been popular since ancient times for its natural hot springs. Today, the Xiangning Pool (Xiāngníng Chí, 香凝池) at the East Gate and the Baoji Pool (Bǎojī Chí, 宝积池) at the Huaqing Yutang Hotel (Huáqīng Yù Táng Jiǔdiàn, 华清御汤酒店) offer visitors a chance to soak in the springs—truly a royal concubine-level indulgence!
Capture Classical Beauty in Hanfu
To avoid the crowds of tour groups, try wearing traditional Hanfu (Hànfú, 汉服) and quietly take a photoshoot near Jiulong Lake (Jiǔlóng Hú, 九龙湖) or Furong Lake (Fúróng Hú, 芙蓉湖). It’s a perfect way to capture the elegance of classical Chinese beauty while enjoying the serene scenery.
Must-See “Song of Everlasting Regret”
The outdoor stage performance “Song of Everlasting Regret” (Chánghèn Gē, 长恨歌) is a must-see at Huaqing Palace. Performed on a fully open-air stage with Mount Li (Lí Shān, 骊山) as the backdrop and Jiulong Lake (Jiǔlóng Hú, 九龙湖) as the stage, the show uses exquisite lighting and music to create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
When Yang Guifei (Yáng Guìfēi, 杨贵妃) emerges gracefully from the lotus flowers in the lake, the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and the tragic love story are beautifully intertwined, offering a visual feast for every visitor.
Xi’an Incident Stage Play
In addition, there’s a stage performance about the Xi’an Incident (Xī’ān Shìbiàn, 西安事变) , based on historical events when Zhang Xueliang (Zhāng Xuěliáng, 张学良) and Yang Hucheng (Yáng Hǔchéng, 杨虎城) launched a military mutiny at Huaqing Pool (Huáqīng Chí, 华清池) to demand that Chiang Kai-shek (Jiǎng Jièshí, 蒋介石) stop the civil war and unite against Japan. The plot is tight and intense, performed at the Yaoguang Pavilion Theater (Yáoguāng Gé Jùyuàn, 瑶光阁剧院) , and is worth watching.
Ticket & Show Information
“Song of Everlasting Regret” Tickets
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Central Zone A: 348 RMB/person
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Central Zone B: 338 RMB/person
Show Times:
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20:10–21:20
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21:35–22:45
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23:00–00:10 (next day)
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00:25–01:35 (next day)
Xi’an Incident Stage Play Tickets
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198 RMB/person
Show Times: -
Weekdays: 11:00 / 15:00
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Holidays: Additional show at 19:30
Practical Information
Transportation
- Bus: Take Tour Bus 5 (306) or 307 and get off at the Huaqing Pool (Huáqīng Chí, 华清池) stop; the palace is just a short walk away.
Tickets
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Standard Ticket: 120 RMB/person
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Half-Price Ticket: Full-time students under 18 years old or studying in bachelor-level programs with valid student ID
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Free Admission: Children under 1.2 meters in height, seniors aged 65 and above, recipients of national special allowances or provincial-level outstanding contribution awards, model workers, active military personnel, and people with disabilities (including disabled veterans) with valid ID
Opening Hours
- 09:00–17:00
Tips for Watching “Song of Everlasting Regret”
Since the two showtimes of “Song of Everlasting Regret (Chánghèn Gē, 长恨歌)” differ, if your only goal is to watch the performance, taking a taxi or ride-share is often more convenient than public buses. A taxi saves a lot of time and you don’t need to arrive hours in advance, but the cost is around 120 RMB.
After the show ends, there are no public buses back to the city , so you’ll need a taxi or ride-share. Sometimes hailing a car can be tricky, so it’s recommended to book a transfer service online , with prices ranging from 35 to 120 RMB depending on the service.