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Xi'an · Attraction

Huaqing Palace

A legendary imperial hot spring resort with 3000 years of history where emperors and concubines bathed in natural thermal waters

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Huaqing Palace
Xi'an, ChinaField notes · Attraction
Xi'anHistorical SiteHot SpringsTang Dynasty

Why go

About Huaqing Palace

Huaqing Palace also known as Huaqing Pool is a historic site located at the northern foot of Mount Li in Lintong District Xi'an Shaanxi Province This ancient imperial hot spring resort has a history dating back over 3000 years to the Western Zhou Dynasty The site is most famous for its association with Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and his beloved concubine Yang Guifei whose legendary love story unfolded here The palace complex features natural hot springs that have been used for therapeutic bathing since ancient times with water temperatures around 43°C The architecture combines traditional Chinese palace design with beautiful gardens pavilions and pools The site also holds significance as the location of the Xi'an Incident in 1936 when Chiang Kaishek was detained leading to the formation of the Second United Front against Japanese invasion

Make time for

Practical ideas, not a checklist

  1. 01Explore the Nine Dragon Lake and Lotus Flower Pool where Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei bathed
  2. 02Visit the Five Rooms Hall where Chiang Kaishek was captured during the Xi'an Incident
  3. 03Walk through the beautiful Tang Dynasty style gardens and pavilions
  4. 04Experience the natural hot springs at the modern spa facilities
  5. 05Watch the spectacular Tang Dynasty Song and Dance Show in the evening
  6. 06Visit the Yang Guifei Bathing Pool Museum to learn about the imperial bathing culture
  7. 07Climb to the Flying Rainbow Bridge for panoramic views of the palace complex
  8. 08Explore the ancient stone inscriptions and calligraphy throughout the site

Good to know

Historical Period
Zhou Dynasty to Tang Dynasty 1046 BC to 907 AD
UNESCO Status
Part of the Silk Roads the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor World Heritage Site
Hot Spring Temperature
43°C 109°F
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn March to May September to November
Famous Residents
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Yang Guifei Chiang Kaishek

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Huaqing Palace Theater

Huaqing Palace Theater is a world-class performance venue situated within the historic Huaqing Palace complex at the foot of Mount Li in Xi'an. This theater presents the spectacular Tang Dynasty Song and Dance Show which recreates the glorious cultural heritage of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when Xi'an known as Chang'an was the capital of China and one of the largest cities in the world. The theater itself is an architectural masterpiece that blends traditional Chinese design with modern stage technology. The performance tells the legendary love story between Emperor Xuanzong and his favorite concubine Yang Guifei set against the backdrop of the magnificent Huaqing Palace which was originally built as an imperial hot spring resort during the Tang Dynasty. The show features over 200 performers in exquisite Tang Dynasty costumes accompanied by traditional Chinese music and breathtaking stage effects. The theater's location within the actual historical site adds an authentic atmosphere that transports audiences back to the golden age of Chinese civilization.