Xi'an Huaqing Palace Detailed Travel Guide

Here's an updated guide covering attractions, itineraries, tickets, transportation, and practical tips: --- [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. --- [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) --- [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 | --- [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) --- [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. --- **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!