Xi'an · Visitor Guide
Huaqing Palace (华清宫, Huáqīng Gōng)
Huaqing Palace is a hot spring resort at the foot of Mount Li (骊山, Líshān) that served as a winter retreat for Tang Dynasty emperors for over 300 years. Its most famous resident was Yang Guifei (杨贵妃), the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong, whose marble bathing pool — the "Guifei Pool" (贵妃池) — remains the centerpiece. In 1936, the palace became the site of the Xi'an Incident, when General Zhang Xueliang arrested Chiang Kai-shek here to force a united front against Japanese invasion. The bullet holes are still visible in the wall. I found the Tang Dynasty history more compelling than the Xi'an Incident exhibit — the hot spring steam rising from the pools at dawn makes you understand why emperors chose this place.
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Quick Answer
Is Huaqing Palace worth visiting?
Tang Dynasty imperial hot springs resort — Yang Guifei's bathing pool, scene of the 1936 Xi'an Incident. ¥120 entry. 30 km east of Xi'an. Combine with Terracotta Army.
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥120 (June 2026). Combo with Mount Li: ¥150. Night show "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (长恨歌): ¥298–588 depending on seat. |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00–18:00 (Mar–Nov), 8:30–17:30 (Dec–Feb). Night show at 20:10 (seasonal, check schedule). |
| Recommended duration | 2–3 hours for the palace and pools. Add 2 hours if you hike Mount Li behind the palace. The night show is 70 minutes. |
| Best time to visit | Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). The night show runs April–October. Avoid winter — the hot spring mist is atmospheric but the outdoor site is cold. |
| How to get there | Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool station (华清池站, 1 hour from Xi'an center). Bus 306/914 from Xi'an Railway Station (¥7, 1 hour). Combine with Terracotta Army (15 min further by bus 307). |
| English signage | partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | partial |
| First built | Western Zhou, 11th century BC |
| Tang peak | 747 AD under Emperor Xuanzong |
| Hot spring temp | 43°C (mineral-rich) |
| Xi'an Incident date | December 12, 1936 |
| From Xi'an | 30 km, 1 hour by metro |
What to expect
Hot springs at the foot of Mount Li have been used for bathing since the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BC). The site became an imperial palace during the Tang Dynasty when Emperor Xuanzong expanded it in 747 AD, building elaborate bathing pools fed by the natural 43°C mineral springs. He spent winters here with his consort Yang Guifei, whose beauty was legendary — her favorite pool, shaped like a crabapple blossom, was fed by nine dragon-headed spouts.
The Xi'an Incident of 1936 transformed Huaqing Palace from a relic to a pivotal site of modern Chinese history. General Zhang Xueliang and General Yang Hucheng arrested Chiang Kai-shek here, holding him until he agreed to a united front with the Communists against Japan. The "Five-Hall Hall" (五间厅) where Chiang stayed preserves the bullet marks and his hurried escape route up Mount Li.
Tang Dynasty poetry immortalized this place. Bai Juyi's "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (长恨歌) — a 120-line poem about Xuanzong and Yang Guifei's tragic love — is the basis for the nightly outdoor performance staged on the palace grounds with Mount Li as the backdrop.
How to get there
Metro Line 9 from Xi'an city center to Huaqing Pool station (华清池站, Exit C, about 1 hour). Bus 306 (游5) or 914 from Xi'an Railway Station (¥7, 1 hour). The palace is 15 minutes by bus 307 from the Terracotta Army — most travelers combine both in one day.
Best photo spots
- Yang Guifei's crabapple-shaped pool — the most iconic Tang Dynasty relic
- The Five-Hall Hall bullet holes — a piece of modern Chinese history
- The Lotus Pool at dusk with steam rising from the hot springs
- View from Mount Li (Lishan) looking down over the palace complex and the Wei River valley
Tips
- Combine with the Terracotta Army — they are 15 minutes apart on the same bus route
- Go early (8:00 AM) to experience the pools before tour groups arrive
- The night show "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" is genuinely spectacular — worth the splurge (¥298+)
- Hike up Mount Li (20–30 min) for the view over the palace and to see Chiang Kai-shek's hiding spot
- Download the audio guide app — the English signage is sparse on Tang Dynasty context
Scams to avoid
- Taxi drivers at Xi'an Railway Station offering "Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace combo tours" for ¥150 — they take you to replica factories and souvenir shops, not the actual sites
- "Official photographers" at the Guifei Pool charging ¥80 for a single print
- Souvenir shops selling "Tang Dynasty hot spring water" in bottles — it is tap water
Frequently asked questions
Is Huaqing Palace worth visiting?
Yes for history lovers — the Tang Dynasty bathing pools are unique among Chinese historical sites, and the Xi'an Incident history adds a compelling modern layer. If you have limited time in Xi'an, the Terracotta Army is the higher priority, but Huaqing Palace pairs perfectly with it (15 min apart).
Can I bathe in the hot springs?
No — the historical pools are for viewing only. The mineral water is still used, but bathing is only available at the modern Huaqing Aegean Hot Spring Resort next door (¥200–400 for a private pool).
How long should I spend at Huaqing Palace?
2–3 hours for the palace, pools, Five-Hall Hall, and a quick walk on Mount Li. Allow 70 minutes for the night show if you stay for it.
What is the Song of Everlasting Sorrow show?
A 70-minute outdoor musical drama staged on the palace grounds with Mount Li as the backdrop. It tells the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei through dance, music, and spectacular lighting effects. ¥298–588. Runs April–October, starts at 20:10. Book ahead on Ctrip or at the gate.
How is the Terracotta Army connected to Huaqing Palace?
They are 8 km apart on the same road — bus 307 runs between them in 15 minutes (¥3). Qin Shi Huang's actual tomb mound is 1.5 km from the Terracotta Army museum. Most travelers visit Huaqing Palace in the morning and the Terracotta Army in the afternoon, or vice versa.
What happened during the Xi'an Incident?
On December 12, 1936, General Zhang Xueliang arrested Chiang Kai-shek at Huaqing Palace to force him to end the Chinese civil war and form a united front against Japan. Chiang was held for two weeks before agreeing. It is considered a turning point that led to the CCP-KMT alliance against Japan. The bullet holes from Chiang's guards' gunfight are still visible.
Is the night show in English?
The show is almost entirely visual — music, dance, and spectacle. There is no spoken dialogue. You do not need Chinese to appreciate it. A brief English synopsis is provided in the program. The visual storytelling (projection mapping on Mount Li) is universally understandable.
How do I get from Xi'an to Huaqing Palace?
Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool station (华清池站) — Exit C, 1 hour from Xi'an center. Bus 306/914 from Xi'an Railway Station (¥7, 1 hour). DiDi: ¥100–150, 45 min. If combining with Terracotta Army, take the bus for flexibility.
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