华清宫
Imperial hot springs, Tang Dynasty romance, and the site of a pivotal 1936 political drama.
Huaqing Palace is a fascinating layered historical site where three narratives converge: the Tang Dynasty imperial hot springs complex where Emperor Xuanzong bathed with his beloved concubine Yang Guifei (a story that inspired countless poems and operas); the Qin Dynasty ruins beneath; and the restored building where Chiang Kai-shek was captured during the 1936 Xi'an Incident that changed Chinese history. A compelling half-day addition to a Terracotta Army trip.
Located 10km west of the Terracotta Army — most visitors combine both sites in one day trip from Xi'an. From the Terracotta Army, take a taxi (¥20, 15 minutes) to Huaqing. Tourist Bus 5 from Xi'an also passes Huaqing. Audio guides in English are available at the entrance.
Opening Hours
7:00am – 6:30pm (Apr–Oct); 7:30am – 6:00pm (Nov–Mar)
Entry Fee
¥120
Address
Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi'an
陕西省西安市临潼区华清路
Show these to locals — large Chinese text designed to be read at arm's length.
Show this to locals:
师傅您好，请送我去华清宫，地址：西安市临潼区华清路。谢谢！
Hello, please take me to Huaqing Hot Springs Palace. Address: Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi'an. Thank you!
For your eyes only:
From the Terracotta Army, tell your driver you want to go to Huaqing Palace (华清宫) — it is about 15 minutes west.
Follow these guides to navigate each part of your visit.
Visit the Terracotta Army in the morning, then take a taxi to Huaqing (15 min, ¥20)
Buy your ticket at the gate and pick up an English audio guide (¥20)
Start at the Tang Dynasty bathing pools — the Hibiscus Pool (芙蓉汤) where Yang Guifei bathed is the most famous
Walk up to the Chiang Kai-shek Capture Site (兵谏亭) — see the building from which he fled during the 1936 Xi'an Incident
The Qin Dynasty ruins beneath the Tang structures are visible through glass floors in places
Evening: the "Song of Everlasting Regret" outdoor drama recreates the Yang Guifei love story with light and water effects — tickets sold separately
Combine with the Terracotta Army on the same day trip — they are 10km apart and one taxi connects them.
The 1936 Xi'an Incident building (Chiang Kai-shek's capture site) is one of modern China's most pivotal historical locations — read about it before visiting.
The evening outdoor drama "Song of Everlasting Regret" (长恨歌) is spectacular — book tickets in advance if you want to stay late.
Spring peach blossom season (March–April) makes the grounds particularly beautiful.
Terracotta Army
兵马俑
8,000 individually sculpted clay warriors buried 2,200 years ago to guard China's first emperor.
Explore →Xi'an City Wall
西安城墙
The most complete ancient city wall in China — 14km of Ming Dynasty ramparts, fully bikeable.
Explore →Muslim Quarter
回民街
A maze of Hui-Muslim architecture and street food — Xi'an's most atmospheric evening destination.
Explore →Save all your travel cards, action guides, and reservations in one place — accessible offline anywhere in China.