Huaqing Pool, also known as Huaqing Palace, is a renowned hot spring resort in Chinese history. Located at the northern foot of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, its history traces back to the Western Zhou Dynasty. Legend has it that King You of Zhou built the "Liyi Palace" here. During the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Shi Huang renamed it "Lishan Tang," and Emperor Wu of Han expanded it into an imperial retreat. It reached its peak of prosperity in the Tang Dynasty: Emperor Taizong constructed the "Tangquan Palace" during the Zhenguan era (627–649), and Emperor Xuanzong further expanded it into the grand "Huaqing Palace" during the Tianbao era (742–756), which served as a royal retreat for escaping the cold. The romantic tale of Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang Guifei here, immortalized by Bai Juyi’s Song of Everlasting Sorrow, further enhanced its fame. In 1936, this site became the birthplace of the "Xi'an Incident," marking the beginning of the second cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China to jointly resist Japanese aggression.
Scenic Area Rating: National 5A Scenic Area
Main Attractions
Tang Imperial Hot Spring Site Museum: Displays the sites of Tang-era royal bathhouses, including Consort Yang Guifei’s "Haitang Pond" and Emperor Xuanzong’s "Lotus Pond," reconstructing the bathing culture of the Tang imperial court.
Xi'an Incident Site: Preserves the original layout of Chiang Kai-shek’s former residence, including the Five Rooms Hall and Bingjian Pavilion, documenting the history of the Xi'an Incident.
Jiulong Lake & Furong Lake: Artificial lakes surrounded by Tang-style buildings such as Feishuang Hall and Changsheng Hall, offering picturesque views of lake and mountain scenery.
Mount Li Scenic Area: Accessible via cable car, featuring beacon towers, Laomu Temple, and panoramic views of Huaqing Pool.
Thermal Springs & Cultural Features
Water Quality and Efficacy: The water maintains a constant temperature of 43°C and is rich in minerals such as silica and fluoride, reputed to alleviate rheumatism and arthritis. Known as the "Number One Imperial Hot Spring Under Heaven."
Cultural Significance: A system of hot spring etiquette was formalized during the Tang Dynasty. Bai Juyi’s Song of Everlasting Sorrow endowed it with romantic allure, and alongside the ancient Roman Baths of Bath, it is recognized as one of the "Three Great Historic Spas of the World."
Modern Tourism Experiences
Live Performances: Song of Everlasting Sorrow: A large-scale dance drama set against Mount Li, depicting the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang Guifei; December 12th Xi'an Incident: A multimedia production recreating the historic event.
Hot Spring Experiences: Huaqing Royal Hotel offers royal hot spring bathing services in Tang-style architecture.
Transportation: Direct access via Metro Line 9; or take Bus Routes You5 or 915 from downtown Xi'an.
Address: No. 38 Huqing Road, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
Opening Hours: Peak season (Mar–Nov): 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Off-peak season (Dec–Feb): 7:30 AM–6:30 PM
Admission Fees: Peak season ¥120; Off-peak season ¥80
