17 Things to Know for a Pitfall-Free Visit to Huaqing Palace and Watching The Song of Everlasting Sorrow in Xi'an

1⃣️Take the subway to Huaqingchi Station to get to Huaqing Palace 2⃣️Huaqing Palace has gone through several dynastic changes, the most famous being the love story between Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, so taking photos in Hanfu here has more historical significance 3⃣️There are many shops around Huaqing Palace that rent Hanfu and provide makeup services, so you can dress up in Hanfu and take photos in the palace 4⃣️There are official tour guides at the entrance of Huaqing Palace, it's recommended for first-time visitors to hire one 5⃣️Photogenic spots in Huaqing Palace: the entrance of Lotus Flower Pool, the entrance of Star Pool, Nine Dragon Bridge, Feishuang Hall, Changsheng Hall, and the arch bridge at the entrance of Changsheng Hall 6⃣️Tickets for Huaqing Palace, The Song of Everlasting Sorrow show, and Lishan Cable Car can be purchased separately 7⃣️During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday (September 29 - October 6), there are wonderful performances such as Mid-Autumn Moon Worship, Empress Garden Tour, Tang Dynasty Music and Dance, 'For You Alone', Tang Palace Music and Dance, and Tang Trend Sports Meet, with close interaction with tourists 8⃣️There are simple meals like water-roasted sausages available inside Huaqing Palace, and the only restaurant is the Imperial Meal Garden, where you can taste innovative Shaanxi cuisine with palace characteristics, decorated in a Tang Dynasty style with both halls and private rooms 9⃣️The Song of Everlasting Sorrow show is incredibly stunning, lasting 70 minutes with no breaks, a must-see in Xi'an 🔟Tickets for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow show are hard to get during peak season, it's advised to book in advance, with three shows every night, different prices for different times and seating areas, with the middle A section offering the best viewing angle and value for money 1⃣️1⃣️If you feel cold watching The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at night, you can rent a blanket in advance, available at the Imperial Meal Garden along with Empress capes, and they are relatively new 1⃣️2⃣️No need to buy raincoats from outside when watching The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, as staff will provide them upon entry 1⃣️3⃣️Arrive at least 30 minutes early for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow to pick up tickets at the manual window, go through security check with an ID card, and then queue for entry, the whole process should start 30 minutes in advance, otherwise, you'll miss the stunning opening and regret it 1⃣️4⃣️It's recommended to visit Huaqing Palace during the day and watch The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at night, so you can see how the daytime garden transforms into a magical sound and light live stage at night 1⃣️5⃣️The Huaqing Imperial Baths Hotel in Huaqing Palace has the same millennium hot springs as Yang Guifei, with private baths in the rooms and a public hot spring, worth experiencing the Empress treatment 1⃣️6⃣️Huaqing Imperial Baths Hotel can book tickets for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow for guests, and before the show, waitresses dressed as palace maids lead guests to the venue through the VIP entrance with lanterns 1⃣️7⃣️Huaqing Imperial Baths Hotel is close to Lishan Ropeway, and on a clear day, you can overlook Huaqing Palace from the mountain