Huaqing Palace (华清宫), located in the picturesque Lishan Mountain (骊山) area near Xi’an, is a historical and cultural treasure with stunning natural beauty. This famous site, deeply tied to the Tang Dynasty’s imperial history, offers a unique blend of ancient architecture, hot springs, and captivating scenery. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone looking to relax, a visit to Huaqing Palace is sure to be a memorable experience.
Basic Information
How to Get to Huaqing Palace: The easiest way to reach Huaqing Palace is by taking Subway Line 9 to the Huaqingchi Station (华清池站), exit B. From there, it’s a short walk to the West Gate of the palace. The location is well-connected, making it accessible for both local and international tourists.
Suggested Time to Spend: Half Day or Full Day
Two Routes Options to Explore Huaqing Palace
Route A (Recommended for First-Time Visitors): West Gate – Cabe Car Up the Mountain – Old Mother Temple (老母宫) – Walk Down the Mountain – Bingjian Pavilion (兵谏亭) – Five Hall Pavilion (五间厅) – Huaqing Pool (华清池) – Exit at East Gate
Route B (The “Instagrammable” Route): West Gate – Cable Car Up the Mountain – Old Mother Temple – Sightseeing Bus – Mingsheng Palace (明圣宫) – Peony Gate (牡丹门) – Fujiwara Tofu Shop (藤原豆腐店) – Eighteen Bends (十八弯) – Astronomical Observatory(天文台) – Huaqing Pool – Exit at East Gate
Tips: The sightseeing bus at Old Mother Temple is not included in the ticket for Huaqing Palace and costs 80 – 100 RMB
Key Attractions at Lishan Mountain
- Old Mother Temple (老母宫): The Old Mother Temple is dedicated to the revered “Old Mother” deity, believed to be the ancestor of humanity. It’s a sacred site, rich in history and cultural significance.
- Bingjian Pavilion (兵谏亭): This pavilion is historically significant as the site where Chiang Kai-shek was detained during the Xi’an Incident in 1936. It’s a key location for understanding modern Chinese history.
- Beacon Tower (烽火台): The Beacon Tower is tied to the famous “Fire Signal” event during the reign of King You of Zhou, where the king’s use of a beacon fire to summon his lords led to his downfall. It’s a great spot for history buffs.
- Five Hall Pavilion (五间厅): During the Xi’an Incident, this is where Chiang Kai-shek heard gunshots and fled. The bullet holes from the historic gunfight are still visible on the walls, adding a sense of drama and history to the visit.
- Fujiwara Tofu Shop (藤原豆腐店): A popular tourist spot, this tofu shop is a quirky and memorable stop. It’s also famously featured in the film Initial D.
- Eighteen Bends (十八弯): From the summit of Lishan, the “Eighteen Bends” road winds its way down the mountain in a series of sharp turns, offering spectacular views of the rugged landscape.
- Astronomical Observatory (天文台): Perched atop Fenghuang Ridge, this observatory once played a role in ancient Chinese astronomy. Although it is no longer open to the public, you can still enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Key Attractions at Huaqing Palace
- Royal Hot Spring Museum (御汤遗址博物馆): This museum features five famous hot springs that were once used by the Tang emperors. Each spring was designated for different royal members, including:
- Lotus Spring (莲花汤): For Emperor Xuanzong.
- Begonia Spring (海棠汤): Used by the beautiful Yang Guifei.
- Star Spring (星辰汤): For Emperor Taizong.
- Crown Prince Spring (太子汤): For the imperial heir.
- Shangshi Spring (尚食汤): For royal attendants.
These hot springs are an important archaeological find, shedding light on the Tang Dynasty’s royal bathing practices.
- Nine-Dragon Lake (九龙湖): This artificial lake is surrounded by magnificent traditional-style buildings. In summer, the lake is adorned with blooming lotus flowers, adding to its majestic beauty.
- Zhou Enlai Bathing Pool (周恩来沐浴池): This pool is famous for being used by Premier Zhou Enlai during his visits to the area. It adds a modern historical layer to the ancient site.
Visitor Tips
- Tourist Bus: Be cautious with private cars offering to take you to the Beacon Tower. They may not be part of the official tour, and some services are not trustworthy.
- Physical Effort: If you’re not planning to spend the whole day at Huaqing Palace, it’s not recommended to hike to the Beacon Tower, as it’s quite strenuous and can take over an hour and a half to reach.
- Ticket Information: The 120 RMB ticket includes access to both Huaqing Palace and Lishan Mountain, though it does not cover the cable car ride. Make sure to plan for extra costs if you want to use the cable car or private transport.