Ultimate Guide to Huaqing Palace: A Must-Visit in Xi'an

Huaqing Palace, this imperial garden steeped in millennia of history, holds the legendary love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang, and witnessed the pivotal Xi'an Incident. A must-visit when in Xi'an! Here's your ultimate guide to exploring Huaqing Palace like a pro 📝

📍Address: No. 038, Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi'an
🎫Ticket: ¥120 (book online for discounts; half-price for students, free for seniors 65+)
🕙Hours: Peak season (Mar–Nov) 7:00–19:00; Off-season (Dec–Feb) 7:30–18:00

🚗Transport
🚇Metro: Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station (Exit B/C), just a short walk away
🚌Bus: Take Tourist Bus 5 (306) from the train station (avoid unlicensed vehicles!)
🚗Drive: Navigate to "Huaqing Palace Parking" (¥10–20/day; arrive early in peak season)

🗺️Itineraries
Half-Day (History Route): West Gate → Tang Imperial Hot Spring Museum (see Emperor’s "Lotus Pool" & Lady Yang’s "Begonia Pool") → Huan Garden (Xi’an Incident site with bullet marks) → Pear Garden Museum (ancient opera culture) → Lishan Mountain’s "Mutiny Pavilion" (30-min hike or ¥35 cable car) → East Gate
Full-Day (Deep Dive): Morning: Half-Day Route → Lunch at "West Street Night Market" (try lamb soup) → Afternoon: Hot spring at Huaqing Yu Tang Hotel (¥398+) → Evening: *Song of Everlasting Sorrow* show

🎭Must-See Shows
*Song of Everlasting Sorrow*: A breathtaking lakeside love epic (Mar–Oct & Dec–Feb). Book 1–2 weeks early (¥268+ for mid-section seats). Pro tip: Bring a jacket—it’s chilly at night!
*12·12 Xi’an Incident*: Historical reenactment (¥99, locals get discounts).

❗Avoid Scams
Skip paid "free shows" like *Mystic Longevity Hall* (¥40 projection).
Public hot springs are closed—only hotel guests or paid experiences (¥398+). Budget option: Shangjian Hot Spring (¥138, not ancient springs).
Ignore ¥80 "guides"—rent an audio guide (¥30) or discreetly join tour groups.
Overpriced "royal massages" and souvenirs? Hard pass. Eat outside the park!

🍜Food Recs
Fushunxiang Braised Chicken (tender chicken + soft potatoes)
West Street lamb soup with moon-shaped bread
Lintong specialties: Fire Crystal Persimmons & pomegranate juice

🏠Stays
Huaqing Yu Tang Hotel (¥2000+): Private hot springs + *Song* VIP tickets
Lintong Angsana Hot Spring (¥800+): Tang-style outdoor pools, 3km from site
Huaqing Palace Hostel (¥100/bed): Opposite West Gate, great for night views

💡Pro Tips
Bring ID for entry; students get discounts.
Wear comfy shoes for Lishan’s windy cable car/steep paths.
Post-hot-spring: Avoid wind for 1 hour.
Best photo spots: Pear Garden’s 2nd floor (Begonia Pool panorama) & Lishan Beacon Tower (Guanzhong Plain views).

Ready to dive into history? Save this guide and go! Questions? Drop a comment 👇