The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Xi'an (Tips, Photos & Map)

If you are planning your Xi'an tour during the period between April and October, you are highly recommended to watch the mega singing and dancing performance named "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" which takes place inHuaqing Hot Spring in Xian.

Venue of the Mega Singing and Dancing Performance

The magnificent performance is held in the Huaqing Hot Spring (also known as Huaqing Palace or Huaqing Pool) ,10 km west of Terracotta Army Museum. The Huaqing Hot Spring itself is an essential attraction in Xian, which is located below Lishan Mountain.

It is famous for its warm springs and the romantic story that happened here regarding Emperor Xuanzong (685-762) and his favourite concubine Yang Yuhuan (719-756 ), often known as Yang Guifei in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

ABC of the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show

The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show is presented on the real-scene in Huaqing Hot Spring (also known as Huaqing Palace or Huaqing Pool) with the backdrop of Lishan Mountain and the ponds, pavilions, corridors and palaces in the background.

The performance is a real-scene singing and dancing historical drama with dazzling lights, beautiful music and songs, lavish costumes and the grand stage which is partially submerged in the water.

The performance is adapted on the same name poem written by the famous Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi (772-846) retelling the lament of the court concubine Yang Yuhuan (719-756) and Emperor Xuanzong (685-762) .

In the story, Emperor Xuanzong fell deeply in love with his beautiful concubine Yang Yuhuan ( Yang Guifei ). His love diverted his focus on his ruling duties and caused much trouble to his country that led to a military coup.

The ministers and the soldiers around Emperor Xuanzong thought that it was the concubine Yang Yuhuan who had caused the chaos. Later under the pressure, Emperor Xuanzong had his favorite concubine Yang Yuhuan killed to save the country.

The poem-turned drama is presented in four parts with a preclude and 10 scenes. The four parts include "Fall in Love", "A Sweet Couple", "Goodbye to Love" and "Meet again on Fairyland" .

Show Time and Entrance Fees

Show Time: Twice performances a day ( Valid from April through October ) 20:00 – 21:10; 21:40 – 22:50

Entrance Fees: RMB 220 ( east or west side area): RMB 260 ( central area); VIP area: RMB 988/888/588

How to See the Show and How to Get there

Both Huaqing Hotspring and Terracotta Army are on the same eastern travel route from Xian's city center, which can be combined to have a day trip.

So most of the travellers would first Terracotta Army Museumand Huaqing Hot Spring (also known as Huaqing Palace or Huaqing Pool), then stay on to see the grand performance.

You either stay in Xianyang or return to the city of Xi'an after show. Self-arranged transport or joining in a local tour is highly recommended.

Virtual Tour of the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show

Follow me to have a glimpse of the great real-scene drama - Song of Everlasting Sorrow.

Yang Yuhuan (Yang Guifei) was chosen as the imperial concubine. A grand ceremony was held to give the title to the court concubine with lively music and dances.

On the evening of Qixi Festival (every year on July 7th according to Chinese lunar calendar, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day), Emperor Xuanzong and his favorite concubine were looking at the Milky Way, showing their affections to each other.

Yang Yuhuan (Yang Guifei) bathed in the hot springs served by several maids. She was in her silk blouse, showing a kind of Tang Dynasty style beauty.

An Lushan (703 - 757), a general stationed on the frontier during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, introduced the popular Tartar dances, giving much vitality to the imperial palace.

The imperial palace was full of happiness and enjoyment. Yang Yuhuan had a elegant dance. The emperor was so deeply enticed by the beautiful dance and song that he embraced his lover to sing and dance.

An Lushan rebelled against Tang Dynasty, ending the romantic love between Emperor Xuanzong (685-762) and his favorite concubine Yang Yuhuan.

Emperor Xuanzong run away from the Capital Chang'an ( Xian) and took his favorite concubine to Maweipo where had Yang Yuhuan killed under the pressure of his ministers and the soldiers who had thought that Yang Yuhuan (yang Guifei) was the cause of the chaotic situation in Tang Dynasty.

Emperor Xuanzong and his favorite concubine Yang Yuhuan were reunited in a fairyland on a windy and snowy day.