Huaqing Palace

​​1. Historical Significance​​

Built during the ​​Zhou Dynasty​​ (11th century BCE) and expanded by ​​Qin Shi Huang​​, ​​Emperor Wu of Han​​, and ​​Tang Xuanzong​​, Huaqing Palace (华清宫, Huáqīng Gōng) became the ​​epicenter of Tang Dynasty luxury​​. Emperor Xuanzong visited ​​36 times in 41 years​​ with his beloved ​​Yang Guifei​​, immortalized in Bai Juyi’s poem The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. The site also witnessed the ​​1936 Xi'an Incident​​, where Chiang Kai-shek was detained to force cooperation with Communists against Japan.

​​2. Architectural & Natural Highlights​​

• ​​Hot Springs​​: ​​6,000-year-old thermal waters​​ used by emperors. Key pools:
  • ​​Lotus Pool (Emperor’s Bath)​​, ​​Haitang Pool (Yang Guifei’s Bath)​​, and ​​Star Pool (Taizong’s Bath)​​.
• ​​Landmarks​​:
  • ​​Feishuang Hall​​: Xuanzong and Yang Guifei’s bedroom.
  • ​​Nine-Dragon Lake​​: Artificial lake with Tang-style pavilions.
  • ​​Beacon Tower​​: Linked to the ​​"Beacon Fire Foolish Kings"​​ legend.
• ​​Lishan Mountain​​: ​​1,302-meter peak​​ with temples (Laomu, Laojun) and the ​​"Sunset at Lishan"​​ scenic spot.

​​3. Cultural Experiences​​

• ​​Performances​​:
  • ​​*The Song of Everlasting Sorrow​​*: A ​​3D-enhanced dance drama​​ of Xuanzong and Yang Guifei’s love story (nightly shows; winter specials).
  • ​​*Xi'an Incident​​*: ​​Multimedia reenactment​​ of the 1936 event.
• ​​Tang Costume Rentals​​: Dress as Tang nobles for photos.
• ​​Hot Spring Resorts​​: Modern spas using ancient springs.

​​4. Visitor Information​​

• ​​Hours​​: ​​7:00 AM–7:00 PM​​ (Mar–Nov); ​​7:30 AM–6:00 PM​​ (Dec–Feb).
• ​​Tickets​​: ​​¥120​​ (general), ​​¥30–50​​ for performances.
• ​​Transport​​: Bus #306/307 from Xi’an; ​​30 km east of downtown​​.

​​5. Global Recognition​​

• ​​UNESCO Qinling Geopark​​ site.
• ​​National 5A Attraction​​ (2007).
• Featured in ​​Netflix’s *Street Food: Asia​​* (2019).

Huaqing Palace blends ​​history, nature, and art​​, offering a ​​Tang Dynasty time capsule​​ with modern allure.