Huaqing Hot Springs: Xian Travel, Xian Tours

Last Update : 2006-10-18 9:19:13: Huaqing Hot Springs (or Huaqing Palace) is famous for the romantic love story of Emperor Xuanzong (685-762) and his concubine Yang Guifei in Tang Dynasty (618-907). It also boasts top-class hot springs. Located 30 km (18.6 miles) west of Xian, the hot springs have allured many kings and emperors over the past 3,000 years. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the existing Huaqing Palace was reconstructed in 1959, covering an area of 85,560 sq meters (21.1 acres).
Last Update : 4/1/2008 7:55:05 PM: Walking through the East Gate, one first sees the Nine-Dragon Lake. The lake, which was also built in 1959, covers 5,300 sq meters (1.31 acres) and has been divided into two parts. There are modern fountains in the upper lake and sculpture of Yang Guifei in the lower one. Halls and pavilions around the lake are half-hidden in green trees and grass. Feishuang Hall, in which Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei lived from October to the end of the year, also lies beside the lake. The sites of imperial pools are preserved in the southern part of Huaqing Palace. There is a Lotus Pool (only Emperor Xuanzong could bathe in it), a Chinese Crabapple Pool (only for Yang Guifei), a Shangshi Pool (for dignitaries), a Star Pool (for former emperors) and a Prince Pool (for princes). After appreciating the imperial pools, visitors also can bathe in Huaqing Palace to enjoy the feeling of being royal. The Five-Room Hall was built during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and housed the Empress Dowager Cixi when she fled from Beijing during the occupancy of the Eight-Power Allied Force. The hall was also the residence of Chiang Kai-shek, the former leader of the CNP, when he visited Xian. The famous Xian Incidence also happened in the hall. Visitors even can see the holes in the glass which were caused by guns that night.
Last Update : 2006-10-18 9:19:41: The splendid scenery and abundant cultural relics of Huaqing Hot Springs is indeed a must-see for visitors.

Admission Fee:	CNY 40 (Low Season) CNY 70 (Peak Season)
Opening Hours:	09:10 to 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit:	One and a half hours
Bus Route:	306