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 👇