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Relax in the hot springs, explore the historical site, visit the Huaqing Palace, and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. The scenic area also offers exhibitions about the Tang Dynasty.
The Tang Dynasty Huaqing Palace, a former imperial palace for the Tang Dynasty, later became known as the "Huaqing Pool." Located in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, it is considered one of China's four great imperial gardens, along with the Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace, and the Chengde Mountain Resort.
Huaqing Palace, encompassing the Huaqing Hot Spring and Mount Li scenic areas, is located 30 kilometers east of Xi'an. It is a nationally recognized 5A-level tourist attraction, a key national scenic spot, a key cultural relic under national protection, and a national cultural industry demonstration base. Renowned for its enduring hot springs, the historical story of Emperor Minghuang of Tang playing with the princes, the love story of Emperor Minghuang of Tang and Yang Guifei, and the site of the Xi'an Incident, it has become a landmark for Chinese Tang cultural tourism. From April to October, large-scale performances of "The Song of Everlasting Regret" will be held in the evenings.
Mount Li, adjacent to the Huaqing Hot Spring, boasts renowned attractions such as the "Beacon Tower," where the emperor played the princes with beacon fires, and the "Bingjian Pavilion," site of the Xi'an Incident. In the evening, overlooking the Huaqing Hot Spring and the entire Lintong area from the "Wanzhao Pavilion" on the mountain, one of the famous scenic views of Guanzhong, is "Lishan Sunset."
The plains of Xi'an have a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with distinct seasons: cold, warm, dry, and wet. Winters are cold, windy, foggy, and with little rain or snow; springs are warm, dry, windy, and changeable; summers are hot and rainy, with a prominent summer drought and frequent thunderstorms and strong winds; and autumns are cool, with rapidly falling temperatures and significant rain showers.
1-3 hours
120 yuan/person (Huaqing Palace + Mount Li)
Huaqing Hot Spring has been a royal retreat for centuries, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is famous for its hot springs that were used by emperors, particularly Emperor Xuanzong, and is also known for the romantic story of Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei.
Located in the Lishan Mountains near Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Huaqing Hot Spring is accessible by taxi, bus, or private car. You can take a bus from Xi'an city center or use a taxi for direct access.
The hot spring area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, avoiding the hot summer or cold winter months.
The entrance fee is around 80 CNY, with additional charges for accessing the hot spring baths. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online via local platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially on weekends or holidays. Booking a day or two in advance should be sufficient.
You will need approximately 2-3 hours to explore the area and enjoy the hot springs. If you plan to relax in the springs, allocate more time.
Key highlights include the hot spring pools, the Huaqing Palace, and the beautiful gardens. Don't miss the famous Nine-Dragon Pool and the architectural relics of the Tang Dynasty.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available. Audio guides in English are also offered, providing detailed information about the history of the site and its significance.
The best photography spots are by the hot spring pools, the palace buildings, and the surrounding mountain views. The views from the upper terraces are also spectacular.
Start at the entrance, visit the hot spring pools first, then explore the Huaqing Palace. Finish your visit by walking through the surrounding gardens and enjoying the views of the Lishan Mountains.
Night visits are possible, but the area does not have special light shows. Evening visits provide a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy the historical architecture and views without the daytime crowds.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
There are rest areas, toilets, and water stations available. A small selection of local snacks and drinks is available, but for a full meal, you may need to go to nearby restaurants.
The main areas of Huaqing Hot Spring are accessible, with paved paths suitable for elderly and children. However, some areas around the hot springs may have uneven terrain.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Cash is also accepted, but it is advisable to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are small cafes and restaurants nearby offering local Shaanxi cuisine. For more dining options, head to the city center of Xi'an.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in the surrounding area, particularly in Xi'an, where you can find many halal restaurants.
There are a few hotels and guesthouses near Huaqing Hot Spring, ranging from budget to mid-range options. For luxury accommodations, consider staying in Xi'an city center.
Nearby attractions include the Terracotta Army, Lishan Mountain, and the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi. These sites can easily be visited in a single day trip from Xi'an.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling Tang Dynasty-inspired crafts, such as pottery, tea sets, and jade items. You can also find local snacks and souvenirs from Shaanxi.
After visiting, taxis and buses are the best way to continue your trip. You can also take the metro or a taxi back to the Xi'an city center.
