Huaqing Hot Springs: Tang Dynasty Imperial Baths
The hot spring palace where Tang emperors wintered and the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei unfolded. Combine with the Terracotta Warriors for a perfect day trip.
Written by Li Wei
History & Culture Writer · Xi'an since 2019
Li Wei has lived in Xi'an since 2019 and has visited every major museum and historical site in Shaanxi province at least three times. He spends his weekends exploring forgotten Tang dynasty ruins and reading Ming-era city maps. Before writing travel guides, he worked as a research assistant at the Shaanxi History Museum.
Opening Hours
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Mar-Nov. 7:30–6:00 PM Dec-Feb
Ticket Price
$18
Students/seniors 50% off
Hot Spring Bath
$30-$60
Separate ticket for spa pools
Time Needed
2–3 hours
Add 1 hour for hot spring bathing
Best Time
Winter mornings
Steam rising in cold air
Location
Lintong District
10 min taxi from Terracotta Warriors
Why Huaqing Pool Is Worth Your Time
Huaqing Pool (华清池) has been a hot spring resort for 3,000 years, but it is most famous as the winter palace of Tang Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Guifei — the most beautiful woman in Chinese history. Their tragic love story is one of China’s great romances, and the pool where Yang Guifei bathed is still here.
The site includes nine imperial bathing pools fed by natural hot springs at a constant 43°C. The Star Pool was for the emperor, and the Lotus Pool for Yang Guifei — smaller, more intimate, shaped like a blooming flower.
You can take a cable car ($5) or hike up Mount Li (Lishan) to the Beacon Tower for panoramic views. On clear days, you can see the Terracotta Warriors site from the summit.
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow (长恨歌) is a spectacular outdoor evening show on the palace grounds, telling the emperor and Yang Guifei’s story. Widely considered one of the best live performances in China. Tickets $35-$150.
The Love Story: Emperor Xuanzong & Yang Guifei
Huaqing Pool is inseparable from China's most famous love story. Emperor Xuanzong ruled during the Tang Dynasty's golden age (712-756 AD). He fell deeply in love with Yang Guifei, a woman renowned for her beauty, and built the Huaqing Palace as their winter retreat. Their bathing pools — hers shaped like a crabapple flower, his like a lotus — are still visible today.
The story ends tragically. When the An Lushan Rebellion threatened the empire in 755 AD, the emperor's own guards blamed Yang Guifei for distracting him from governance. They forced her execution. Xuanzong abdicated soon after. The love story has been retold in Chinese poetry, opera, and film for over 1,200 years. The evening Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance at Huaqing Pool tells exactly this story through music, dance, and water effects.
Insider Tips
Combine with the Warriors. They are 10 min apart by taxi. Warriors at 8:30 AM (beat crowds), Huaqing in the afternoon. A perfect day trip.
Winter is best. Huaqing is most atmospheric in winter when steam rises from hot pools into freezing air. Summer visits are less impressive.
Book the night show early. The Song of Everlasting Sorrow sells out weeks ahead during peak season. Cheapest seats ($35) are fine — the stage is huge with good visibility everywhere.
Soak in the hot springs. A separate modern spa area lets you bathe in the same mineral water. $30-$60. Bring a swimsuit or buy one there.
Nearby
The main event. Do this first in the morning.
Cable car to the summit for panoramic views.
Return by Metro Line 9. Dinner in Muslim Quarter.
Related Attractions
Pair these with your visit for the best itineraries.
FAQ
Is Huaqing Pool worth visiting?
Yes, especially combined with the Terracotta Warriors (10 min away). On its own, it is a pleasant historical site but not a must-see. As part of a Warriors + Huaqing day trip, it is excellent.
Can you bathe in the hot springs?
Yes, but not in the historical pools (viewing only). A separate modern spa area lets you soak in the same natural hot spring water. Tickets $30-$60.
Is the night show worth it?
Yes, it is spectacular — a full-scale outdoor production with hundreds of performers and the mountain itself as a backdrop. Book weeks ahead for peak season.
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow: Evening Performance Guide
The evening show at Huaqing Pool is the main reason many visitors come. Performed on the actual imperial bathing pools with the mountain as a backdrop, it uses water screens, fire effects, hundreds of performers, and a full orchestra to tell the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei.
Show times: Usually 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM (seasonal — check when booking).
Duration: 70 minutes.
Ticket price: $35-$85 depending on seat category. Book through trip.com or the official website.
Best seats: Center section, rows 5-15. Too close and you will get wet from the water effects. Too far back and you lose the detail.
Seasonal note: The show runs year-round. In winter, the hot spring steam rising against the cold air adds an atmospheric dimension that summer shows lack.