Huaqing Hot Springs Xi'an 2026: Tickets, History & the Show
Huaqing Hot Springs is a Tang imperial spa east of Xi'an. Learn the $16.90 ticket, the 《长恨歌》 show and how to pair it in 2026.
Huaqing Hot Springs is a Tang imperial spa east of Xi’an, tied to the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. The pools, the gardens and the evening 《长恨歌》 show make it a half-day trip, often paired with the Terracotta Army.
Intro: why go
Emperors bathed here for a thousand years, and the site keeps its Tang feel. The evening show tells the imperial romance with light and water on the hillside. For foreign visitors it is the most romantic stop near the army.
Tickets & booking
The scenic area is about $16.90. The 《长恨歌》 show is $28–$139 and sold separately, and you do not need a scenic-area ticket for it. Verify both prices on site; the show runs spring through autumn.
How to get there & in-site route
- From the city: about 30 km east; tourist buses, taxis and chartered cars all reach it, often as a stop after the Terracotta Army.
- The route that works: see the hot-spring pools and Tang gardens by day, then stay for the 《长恨歌》 show at night.
- Timing: arrive mid-afternoon to walk the grounds before the evening performance.
- The grounds are flat and walkable; shuttles link the far pavilions.
Facilities
Toilets, cafes and a shop are inside. The show draws crowds, so arrive early for a seat. Card and Alipay both work; keep some cash for the stalls.
Best season & seasonal pros and cons
- Spring (Apr–May) & autumn (Sep–Oct): the show runs and the gardens are green.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): warm nights suit the outdoor show.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): the show is limited; the pools and history still draw.
- Holidays: May Day and National Day fill the show; book ahead.
Tips & scams
- Do not buy a “combo” that bundles the show into the scenic ticket; they are separate.
- The price is fixed; ignore touts offering a discount outside the gate.
- Pair Huaqing with the Terracotta Army in one eastern day to save travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is Huaqing Hot Springs?
- The scenic area is about $16.90. The evening 《长恨歌》 show is $28–$139 and sold separately, and does not need a scenic-area ticket.
- Do I need a Huaqing ticket for the 《长恨歌》 show?
- No. The performance is ticketed on its own, and bundled tour tickets that say otherwise are just repackaging. Buy the show directly.
- How do I get to Huaqing from Xi'an?
- It is about 30 km east, past the Terracotta Army turn-off. Take a tourist bus, taxi or chartered car, or the tour bus from the army.
- When does the 《长恨歌》 show run?
- The show runs in the evening from spring through autumn, weather permitting. Winter dates are limited, so check ahead.
- How long does Huaqing take?
- About 2–3 hours for the springs and the gardens. Add the evening show for a full, late return to the city.
Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.