Xi'an Huaqing Palace Guide: A Tang Dynasty Feast, Cost-effective Accommodation, and Exploring the Imperial Garden!

> Red walls and green tiles, silky hot springs—this thousand-year-old imperial palace hides countless secrets of a prosperous era. Hello everyone! Today, let's explore one of Xi'an's must-visit attractions—Huaqing Palace! This is not only the place where Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei's love story took place but also a royal hot spring sanctuary with a history of 3,000 years. This guide will help you make the most of Huaqing Palace, enjoy nearby delicacies, and find highly cost-effective accommodations, ensuring your trip to Xi'an leaves no regrets! 🏯 Must-Experience at Huaqing Palace Huaqing Palace is not only rich in history but also a perfect spot for photography and check-ins! Here are some **hidden photo spots** we recommend: - **Feishuang Hall Red Wall**: Have your friends take photos with the red wall as the background; the sunlight stretches shadows, making every shot look like a masterpiece. - **Qiqu Bridge**: Capture from the bridgehead or tail to include the corridor pavilion and lake scenery, or shoot the water reflections for a lively and natural effect. - **Furong Lake Lotus Pond**: In summer, the lotus leaves are lush. Stand on the lakeside stone steps with lotus leaves in the foreground, blending lake reflections and people for a stunning picture. - **Changsheng Hall Corridor**: Snap photos while gazing into the distance for a poetic vibe. - **Mossy Stone Steps beside the Imperial Hot Spring Ruins**: Full of stories. 🎫 **Ticket Saving Tip**: Huaqing Palace offers a **special two-day ticket for only 108 RMB** (2025 info), allowing entry for two consecutive days to easily explore all attractions. Visitors from Shaanxi can also opt for an **annual pass** with unlimited visits. 🎭 Exciting Performances and Activities The park hosts **up to 60 interactive performances daily** and **Tang Palace NPC parades**. Don’t forget to take photos and interact with them—winners get small gifts! The "**Song of Everlasting Regret**" performance is a highlight at Huaqing Palace, centered on the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, combining dance, music, and special effects, receiving rave reviews. 🍜 Recommended Food Around Huaqing Palace After a day of sightseeing, you must try some delicious food! There are many tasty and affordable restaurants near Huaqing Palace: 1. Chang'anli · Shaanxi Cuisine on the Tip of the Tongue - **Recommended dishes**: Western Xia roasted lamb chops (almost no mutton smell, crispy outside and tender inside), old marinade beef (large chunks, rich sauce flavor), iron plate jade tofu, fragrant beef pastry. - **Features**: Close to Huaqing Pool bus stop, with an antique-style interior. 2. Imperial Cuisine Garden - **Recommended dishes**: Old Shaanxi gourd chicken (a famous Xi'an dish, crispy skin and tender meat), steamed cold noodles with seasonal vegetables (made with three-color vegetable juice, refreshing), stone pot fried cold noodles, Yikouxiang (mini meat burger resembling a macaron). - **Features**: Located inside Huaqing Palace scenic area, specializing in royal and traditional Shaanxi cuisine, with an antique and imperial atmosphere. You can enjoy "imperial cuisine" for about 70 RMB per person. 3. Duke Zhou’s Hometown Qishan Noodle House - **Recommended dishes**: Signature Qishan sauced noodles (sour and refreshing broth, perfectly firm noodles), belt noodles (authentic Shaanxi flavor). - **Features**: Decorated in antique style, one of the top noodle shops around Huaqing Pool, perfect for noodle lovers. 🏨 Budget-Friendly Accommodation Recommendations After a day of touring, you need a comfortable yet affordable place to stay. Here are some high cost-performance options: | Hotel Name | Type | Starting Price (RMB) | Address | Features | | :--------------- | :------- | :--------- | :------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- | | Home Inn Pai Bai Yun Hotel | Economy | 94 | About 100 meters north of the intersection of Jiankang Road and Xiguan Main Street, Lintong District | Affordable price, complete basic facilities | | Super 8 Hotel | Economy | 113 | No. 1 Renmin South Road, Lintong District | Well-known chain brand, guaranteed comfort | | Home Inn Express Hotel | Economy | 119 | No. 1 Xihuayuan Road, Lintong District | Convenient transportation, high cost performance | | Mitang Theme Smart Hotel | Comfortable | 160 | No. 14 Renmin East Road, Lintong District | Themed experience, relatively new facilities | | Hanting Youjia Hotel | Comfortable | 176 | No. 5 Jiankang South Road, Lintong District | Standard service, clean and tidy | **Note**: The above prices are for reference only; actual prices may vary depending on booking time, room type, and promotions. 📅 Recommended Itinerary - **Day 1**: Visit Huaqing Palace scenic area during the day (Jiulong Lake, Imperial Hot Spring Ruins, Wujian Hall, etc.) → Watch the "Song of Everlasting Regret" performance in the evening → Stay at a nearby budget hotel. - **Day 2**: Use the special two-day ticket for a second visit (or explore Lishan Mountain) → Taste local specialties (Qishan noodles, gourd chicken, etc.) → Buy souvenirs and happily conclude your trip. 💡 Practical Tips - **Best time to visit**: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather. In summer, remember sun protection; in winter, enjoy the hot springs (some hotels offer this). - **Transportation**: Take Metro Line 9 in Xi'an city to "Huaqing Pool Station." - **Dress advice**: Wear comfortable sneakers as walking and climbing Lishan Mountain are required. Photography enthusiasts can try Hanfu or clothing with ancient style elements for better photos with red walls and ancient buildings. Huaqing Palace is not only an imperial garden but also a living history book. **The Song of Everlasting Regret still echoes, and the fragrance of the beloved consort can still be found.**