Huaqing Palace
Huaqing Palace, located at the northern foot of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a historic site renowned for its natural hot springs and as a former imperial resort. Dating back over 3,000 years, it served as a favored retreat for emperors, most notably during the Tang Dynasty when Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei frequented the palace. The site encompasses the Huaqing Hot Springs, the remains of ancient bathing pools, and the scenic backdrop of Mount Li. Additionally, Huaqing Palace is historically significant as the location of the 1936 Xi'an Incident. Today, visitors can explore its rich history, enjoy the beautiful gardens, and experience cultural performances such as the renowned "Song of Everlasting
Information
Ticket price
Time
Location
38 Huaqing Rd, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
View maps
More about the trip
Huaqing Palace: Imperial Retreat and Historical Landmark
Huaqing Palace, located at the northern foot of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a historic site renowned for its natural hot springs and as a former imperial resort. Dating back over 3,000 years, it served as a favored retreat for emperors, most notably during the Tang Dynasty when Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei frequented the palace. The site encompasses the Huaqing Hot Springs, the remains of ancient bathing pools, and the scenic backdrop of Mount Li. Additionally, Huaqing Palace is historically significant as the location of the 1936 Xi'an Incident. Today, visitors can explore its rich history, enjoy the beautiful gardens, and experience cultural performances.
What to See and Do
Hot Springs and Imperial Baths: Explore the remains of the imperial bathing pools, including the Lotus Pool (for Emperor Xuanzong) and the Begonia Pool (for Yang Guifei). You can learn about the bathing rituals and the luxurious lifestyle of the Tang imperial court.
The Xi'an Incident Site: Visit the Five-Room Pavilion, where Chiang Kai-shek was captured during the Xi'an Incident in 1936, a pivotal event in modern Chinese history.
Gardens and Pavilions: Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, adorned with traditional Chinese pavilions, bridges, and rockeries. The scenery is particularly charming in spring and autumn.
"Song of Everlasting Sorrow" Performance: In the evenings, the palace hosts a spectacular outdoor historical drama, "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (长恨歌), which tells the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. This is a highly recommended and visually stunning performance (requires separate ticket and booking).
Mount Li: The palace is nestled at the foot of Mount Li, offering opportunities for light hiking and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor areas. If you plan to see the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" performance, visit during the evening (seasonal operation, typically April to October).
How to Get There
Huaqing Palace is located in Lintong District, near the Terracotta Army. You can take tourist bus 306/833 or 307 from Xi'an Railway Station directly to Huaqing Palace. Many tour operators offer combined tours of Huaqing Palace and the Terracotta Army.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.
Book performance tickets in advance: If you plan to see "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow," book tickets well in advance, as they are very popular.
Combine with Terracotta Army: Huaqing Palace is often visited together with the Terracotta Army due to their proximity.
Related attractions
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Music Fountain Square
Located at the foot of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square is a renowned cultural and tourist destination. The square is divided into several sections: North Square: Known for its grand musical fountain, the North Square is one of the largest of its kind in Asia. The central axis features a main waterway, flanked by areas such as the Tang Poetry Garden, the Dharma Flower Terrace, and the Meditation Forest. The musical fountain performances, especially enchanting at night with illuminated displays, are a major attraction. BAIKE.BAIDU.COM East and West Pedestrian Streets: Situated on either side of the Daci'en Temple, these streets showcase sculptures depicting scenes from Tang Dynasty daily life, including "People Celebrating Longevity," "Shadow Puppet Theater," and "Street Music." The lifelike sculptures offer a glimpse into the prosperity and culture of the Tang era. The streets are also lined with shops selling various souvenirs and local crafts. VACATION.EZTRAVEL.COM.TW South Square: Located in front of the Daci'en Temple, the South Square emphasizes Buddhist culture, featuring a prominent statue of the monk Xuanzang. The area is complemented by gardens, water features, and bridges, making it a popular spot for relaxation among locals and tourists alike.
Mount Hua
Mount Hua, located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, China, is one of the country's Five Great Mountains and is renowned for its steep and perilous peaks. The mountain comprises five main peaks: North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak), East Peak (Facing Sun Peak), South Peak (Landing Wild Goose Peak), West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak), and Middle Peak (Jade Maiden Peak). Each peak offers unique landscapes and has its own historical and cultural significance. Mount Hua is also a significant site in Taoist history, housing numerous temples and religious structures. The mountain's challenging trails, such as the "Plank Road in the Sky" and "Thousand-Foot Precipice," attract adventurers seeking thrilling experiences. The breathtaking scenery, combined with its rich cultural heritage, makes Mount Hua a must-visit destination for travelers.
Stele Forest Museum
The Stele Forest Museum, located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, is renowned for its extensive collection of ancient stone steles and sculptures. Established in 1087 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the museum was initially built to preserve the "Kaicheng Stone Classics" and the "Stone Tablet of Filial Piety." Over the centuries, the collection expanded, and in 1992, it was officially named the Stele Forest Museum due to the vast number of steles it houses. Today, the museum boasts nearly 3,000 steles, making it the largest collection in China. The exhibits span various dynasties, with a significant emphasis on pieces from the Tang Dynasty. Visitors can explore seven exhibition halls showcasing Chinese calligraphy, historical records, and stone sculptures, offering a profound insight into China's rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Shuyuanmen Cultural Street
Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, located just inside the South Gate (Yongning Gate) of Xi'an's ancient city wall, is a historic pedestrian street that stretches approximately 570 meters. The street derives its name from the "Guanzhong Shuyuan" (Guanzhong Academy), one of the most prestigious academies during the Ming and Qing dynasties, situated within the area. Lined with traditional Ming and Qing-style architecture, Shuyuanmen is renowned for its rich cultural atmosphere, featuring numerous shops selling calligraphy works, paintings, antiques, and the "Four Treasures of the Study" (brush, ink, paper, and inkstone). Visitors can immerse themselves in the artistic ambiance, observe artisans at work, and explore the profound cultural heritage that the street embodies.
Daci'en Temple
Daci'en Temple, located in the southern part of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a historic Buddhist temple established in 648 AD during the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Gaozong in memory of his mother, Empress Wende. The temple is renowned for housing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda), which was built to store the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. The temple complex showcases traditional Chinese architectural styles and offers insights into the rich cultural and religious history of ancient China.
