Huaqing Palace is located to the south of Lishan Mountain and north of the Weishui River, making it a famous bathing destination known for its hot springs since ancient times. It is said that King You of Zhou built a palace here during the Western Zhou Dynasty, and during the Tang Dynasty, it underwent several expansions. Under Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, it was renamed Huaqing Pool, becoming a bathing site for the royal family and nobles.
Above the main entrance of Huaqing Palace hangs a plaque inscribed with “Huaqing Pool” written by Guo Moruo. The overall architectural style is designed to mimic Tang Dynasty architecture. The scenic area consists of three parts: the eastern section is dedicated to bathing facilities; the western section features a garden area with attractions such as the Hibiscus Garden, Jiulong Lake, the wall inscribed with Mao Zedong’s poem “Changhenge,” the site of the Tang Dynasty royal bath, the circular garden pavilion, and the Pear Garden; and the southern part is a cultural relic protection zone, where the renowned Lishan Hot Springs are located.
Travel Information about Huqing Palace
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
Off-peak season (December 1 to the end of February): 120 yuan
Peak season (March 1 to the end of November): 150 yuan
Opening Hours:
Peak season: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Off-peak season: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best seasons to visit Huaqing Palace are from March to May when flowers bloom, and from September to November when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: 38 Huaqing Road, North Side of Lishan, Lintong District, Xi’an.
Public Transportation: Take bus lines 914, 915, or Y5 (306) from the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station and get off at the Huaqing Pool Station.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★
- Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Huaqing Palace
Hibiscus Garden
Hibiscus Garden is a royal garden area centered around Hibiscus Lake, characterized by its rich Tang Dynasty style and a focus on serene sightseeing. Within the garden, visitors can find attractions such as the “Eternal Life Palace,” where Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his beloved Yang Guifei made their romantic vows during the Qixi Festival, as well as the Spring Goddess Pavilion, Hibiscus Lake, Debao Tower, Guolao Medicine Hall, and Yuming Pavilion. There is also an area under construction for hot spring bathing and relaxation.
Hibiscus Garden features various landscape sculptures and green vegetation that embody themes of love culture. Throughout the garden, visitors can encounter stories of the love between Emperor Ming of Tang and Yang Guifei, deeply reflecting the romantic history and cultural significance of Huaqing Pool.
Jiulong Lake (Nine Dragons Lake)
Jiulong Lake is an artificial lake divided into upper and lower sections, connected by a long embankment known as Jiulong Bridge that runs east to west. On the embankment, the pavilion on the west side is called Morning Sun Pavilion, while the pavilion on the east side is named Evening Glow Pavilion. These two pavilions complement each other and align beautifully with the Dragon Echo Pavilion on the southern shore of the upper lake. The Dragon Echo Pavilion features a large dragon head that extends downwards, with a spring flowing continuously from the dragon’s mouth, hence the name Dragon Echo Pavilion. Jiulong Bridge has eight dragon sculptures spouting water, complementing the large dragon head below, which is why the lake is named Jiulong Lake, or Nine Dragons Lake.
On the southern and eastern shores of Jiulong Lake, you’ll find several Tang Dynasty-style palaces: Chenxiang Hall, Feishuang Hall, Yichun Hall, and Yichun Pavilion. The entire area is dominated by a red color scheme, complemented by green pines, cypress trees, and weeping willows. The shimmering waters of Jiulong Lake create a fairy-tale-like scene, with symmetrical pavilions, winding corridors, and the dragon bridge spanning the lake, all surrounded by willow-shaded banks, offering a visually pleasing experience.
Related Details:
Water Stage Performances: As night falls, Jiulong Lake hosts large-scale performances on its water stage. These shows incorporate innovative techniques such as laser projection, computer effects, and dreamlike special effects to create a mesmerizing experience for both domestic and international visitors. The performances depict the intertwined love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, showcasing a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. This artistic display aims to provide the audience with a powerful visual and sensory impact, immersing them in a world of romance and fantasy.
Tang Yutang Ruins Museum
The Tang Yutang Ruins were discovered in April 1982 and officially opened to the public in September 1990. Archaeologists excavated five groups of Tang Dynasty royal bathing pools, including the Xingshen Pool, Lotus Pool, Begonia Pool, Taizi Pool, and Shangshi Pool. Over 3,000 artifacts were unearthed, including the foundation of the bathing hall, stone walls, palace column bases, lotus-shaped square bricks, circular clay water pipes, and other construction materials. This site is currently the only known royal bathing pool in China, providing invaluable physical evidence for the study of ancient Chinese bathing practices and the royal hierarchy.
Huan Yuan Five Room Hall
Huan Yuan is an elegant courtyard that showcases the characteristics of Jiangnan gardens. Originally a post station during the Qing Dynasty, it was destroyed during wartime in the Tongzhi era. It was rebuilt during the Guangxu period and renamed “Huan Yuan.”
Upon entering Huan Yuan, you are greeted by a lotus pond. To the south of the pond is the Hehua Pavilion, and to the east is the Bailian Pavilion. Walking along the western shore of the lotus pond and behind the Hehua Pavilion leads you to the famous Five Room Hall. This hall is a brick-and-wood structure that connects five individual rooms, with the majestic Lishan Mountain to the south and the lotus pond to the north. The courtyard is flat and adorned with lush trees, hence its name, the Five Room Hall.
The Five Room Hall is the main building in Huan Yuan, featuring thick red columns that rise majestically above the front porch. It stands impressively alongside the nearby Sanjian Hall, Wanghe Pavilion, Feihong Bridge, and Feixia Pavilion. Next to the Five Room Hall is a bathing room used by Chiang Kai-shek, which contains a bathing pool built in the Qing Dynasty, modeled after the imperial concubine’s pool. Notable figures such as Kangxi, Cixi, and Guangxu have bathed here.
Stele Sea and Calligraphy Forest
Established in 1985, the Stele Sea and Calligraphy Forest features inscriptions by renowned calligraphers such as Liu Zidu, Shen Peng, and Zhong Mingshan. The inscriptions mainly consist of famous poems and verses praising Huaqing Palace, presented in various calligraphic styles, including regular, cursive, clerical, and seal scripts.
Additionally, some stele stones bear the works of famous Japanese calligraphers, primarily featuring verses from the “Song of Everlasting Regret.” Notable inscriptions include the “Northern Wei Hot Springs Inscription” and the “Hot Spring Inscription.” This site serves as a celebration of the art of calligraphy and literature, enhancing the cultural atmosphere of the Huaqing Palace area.
Pear Garden
At Huaqing Palace, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his beloved Yang Guifei created a timeless love story that has been celebrated for a millennium, turning this ancient royal garden into a testament to their romance. Xuanzong was known for his musical talents, while Yang Guifei was skilled in playing and singing, and together they composed many enduring melodies and dances.
Notable works include the “Dance of the Colorful Garments,” “De Baozi,” and “Lingbo Qu.” Emperor Xuanzong also established China’s first royal music and arts school, known as the Pear Garden. This institution became a center for music, dance, and theatrical activities, focusing on teaching and performing ceremonial music, supported by many renowned musicians and dancers. As a result, Pear Garden is honored as the ancestor of Chinese opera arts.
What to Do at Huaqing Palace
Soaking in Hot Springs: Huqing Palace boasts four hot spring sources, one of which dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty in 771 BC. The springs have an impressive water output of 113 tons per hour, with a stable temperature of around 43°C year-round. The water contains various minerals and organic substances, providing benefits for conditions such as arthritis and skin diseases. The bathing area spans approximately 3,000 square meters and features over a hundred different pools, accommodating nearly 400 guests at once.
Enjoying Song and Dance Performances: The scenic area offers regular performances of Tang-style song and dance, which are free for visitors to enjoy. Major performances include “The Drunken Concubine,” “The Concubine Bathing,” “Autumn Thoughts,” “The Feathered Garment Dance,” “Lychee Fragrance,” and “Long Silk Dance.” These shows take place at the Hexagonal Pavilion Performance Square or the Pear Garden Dance Hall, from April 1 to November 30, with two daily shows at 10:40 AM to 12:10 PM and 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Each performance lasts between 40 to 90 minutes.
Watching Historical Dramas: From April to October each year, the scenic area features a grand outdoor historical musical drama titled “The Song of Everlasting Regret” every night at 8:30 PM. This production uses stunning natural scenery, classical music and dance, poetic narration, and high-tech lighting and sound effects to vividly depict the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and the timeless love story that unfolded over a thousand years ago at the foot of Lishan Mountain and by the Huqing Pool.
Additionally, the scenic area presents a performance titled “December 12,” which dramatizes the Xi’an Incident through ten scenes depicting the rise of conflict, hurried conspiracies, impending battles, and the tumult of history. The show combines elements of film and theater to authentically and vividly recreate the lesser-known historical details of the Xi’an Incident.
Accommodation and Dining Options
Accommodation
The scenic area is adjacent to the city of Lintong, allowing visitors to stay nearby or in the city center. The Yongqing Grand Hotel (临潼勇卿大酒店) and Blue Sea Yang Hot Spring Hotel (蓝海阳温泉酒店) are well-located with attentive service, giving tourists options based on their preferences.
The Yongqing Grand Hotel is an impressive establishment with a pleasant environment, offering a range of services including dining, accommodation, entertainment, and business facilities.
Location: No. 5, Yinqiao Avenue, Lintong District.
Phone: 029-83888888.
The Blue Sea Yang Hot Spring Hotel is located right next to the scenic area, easily visible upon exiting. It boasts a prime location with seven floors, featuring guest rooms, dining options, conference rooms, and a large parking lot. The hotel offers 89 elegantly decorated rooms of various styles.
Location: No. 826, Shuyuan East Road, Lintong District.
Phone: 029-81370000.
Dining
The Huqingchi Restaurant within the scenic area features an elegant and unique environment, primarily serving Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. The Lintong area surrounding the scenic site has numerous dining establishments where visitors can not only enjoy a variety of cuisines but also sample local specialty dishes.
Located at the southeast corner of the central square on Huqing Road, the Guohua Ligongfang (国花骊宫坊) specializes in Cantonese cuisine. Its exterior is adorned in opulent gold, creating a luxurious atmosphere that makes it well worth a visit (Phone: 029-81374111).