Xi'an Huaqing Palace Detailed Travel Guide

Here's an updated guide covering attractions, itineraries, tickets, transportation, and practical tips:

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[PumpkinLamp] **Trip Highlights**
Huaqing Palace combines a millennium-old imperial garden, hot spring culture, and historical events (Xi'an Incident) with the natural scenery of Mount Li and the live-action show "Song of Everlasting Sorrow." A day trip offers immersive experiences of Tang Dynasty splendor and modern history.

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[Calendar]**One-Day Itinerary** (Suitable for solo/free travelers)
**7:30 Depart from downtown Xi'an**
- **Transportation**:
- Metro Line 9 to "Huaqingchi Station" Exit B (most convenient, ~1 hour)
- Tourist Bus 5 (306) or 914/915 to "Huaqing Palace Station"

**8:30-12:00 Explore Huaqing Palace Core Area**
1. **Enter via Wangjing Gate** → **Lotus Lake** (photo spot for patriotic flash mobs, special performances during National Day).
2. **Mystic Realm Eternal Palace**: Free 6D movie (40 mins, depicts Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei's love story).
3. **Tang Imperial Hot Spring Museum**:
- Lady Yang's Pool (Begonia Spring): Lotus-shaped pool for Yang Yuhuan
- Lotus Spring (Emperor's exclusive), Star Spring (Taizong's pool)
4. **Circular Garden**: Qing Dynasty architecture, Xi'an Incident site "Five-Room Hall" (Chiang Kai-shek's headquarters).

**12:00-13:00 Lunch Recommendations**
- **Inside**: Huaqing Palace Restaurant (Shaanxi noodles)
- **Outside**: Lintong Big Plate Chicken (10-min walk to Wenhua Road)

**13:00-16:00 Mount Li + Performances**
1. **Cable car ascent** (¥35 one-way/¥60 round-trip):
- Summit route: Laomu Temple (Nuwa worship) → Beacon Tower (Zhou Dynasty ruins, overlooks Guanzhong Plain)
2. **Descend on foot**: Pass by Bingjian Pavilion (Xi'an Incident bullet marks).
3. **Performance options** (choose one):
- 15:00 "1212 Xi'an Incident" (live-action show, Yaoguang Pavilion, ¥198)
- Evening "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (outdoor show, separate ticket ¥298+, reserve early)

**17:00 Return to Xi'an**
- Last bus 19:00, last metro 22:00 (recommend same return transport)

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[Heart] **Tickets & Discounts**
| **Type** | **Price** | **Eligibility** |
|------------------|-------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Standard | ¥120 | Adults |
| Discount | ¥100 | Pre-book via Xi'an Local Treasure |
| **Free** | | Children <1.2m, seniors ≥65, military/disabled with ID |
| **Half-price** (¥60)| | Students <18, full-time undergraduates with ID |

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[House]**Accommodation** (For overnight stays)
1. **Huaqing Lovejoy Hotel**
- Features: Tang-style hot spring hotel with private pools (¥1500+/night)
2. **Lintong Angsana Hot Spring Hotel**
- Features: International brand, outdoor springs (¥800+/night)

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[Loupe]**Tips**
1. **Timing**: Cable car queues are long—ascend before 9am or after lunch; book "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" ≥3 days ahead!
2. **Gear**: Wear anti-slip shoes and sunhat for Mount Li's stone steps.
3. **IDs**: Bring student/ID cards for discounts (verified onsite).
4. **Scams**: Avoid unlicensed taxis—use official buses/metro.

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**Pro Tips**: During National Day, the palace becomes a "sea of red flags"—great for patriotic photos at Lotus Lake; visitors born in Year of Snake get free entry on Lunar New Year's Eve to Day 3 (with ID).

This itinerary covers 90% of must-see spots, balancing history and nature with efficient routing!