Overview
Huaqing Palace is an imperial hot-spring retreat at the foot of Mount Li, 30km east of Xi'an, with around 3,000 years of history. It is most famous as the romantic setting where Tang Emperor Xuanzong shared affection with his consort Yang Guifei; restored imperial baths include Yang Guifei's Crabapple Pool and Xuanzong's Lotus Pool. The palace is also the site of the 1936 Xi'an Incident, where Chiang Kai-shek's quarters (Wujian Hall) have been preserved. From April to October, the spectacular outdoor performance 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow,' retelling the Xuanzong-Yang Guifei love story, draws large evening crowds. Admission CNY 120. About 1 hour by intercity bus from Xi'an East Station, or visit on the same route as the Terracotta Warriors.
Opening Hours
07:00-19:00 (March-November), 07:30-18:00 (December-February)
Travel Tips
Pair it with the Terracotta Warriors on the same route for a full-day trip. Book the evening 'Song of Everlasting Sorrow' show (CNY 218-688) early for good seats.
Hotels near Huaqing Palace
Hotels and guesthouses in Xi'an, Lintong, Xi'an
Other attractions in Xi'an
Terracotta Army
Emperor Qin Shi Huang's underground army — over 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses.
Xi'an City Wall
China's best-preserved ancient city wall, circumnavigable by bicycle.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
A seven-story brick pagoda built by the Tang monk Xuanzang to house scriptures brought from India.
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street)
A 1,000-year-old Hui Muslim district — Xi'an's ultimate street food paradise.
Bell Tower & Drum Tower
Xi'an's iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower built in 1384 — beautifully lit at night.
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China's top four museums, telling 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through 1.7 million artifacts.