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 in Huaqing 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 Museum and 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.
Tip: Hassle-free Xian Guided Tours
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Xian guided tours:
Xi’an Tour
Xi’an Day Tour
Xi’an Tour Packages
Beijing Xi’an Tour
Further Readings
Beijing Xian High Speed Train Experience
Best Time to Visit Xian
How to Visit Xian in Two Days?
Xian Airport Transportation
Xian Railway Station Transportation
Xian Taxi: Xian Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Xian City Layout
Xian’s Top 7 Iconic Landmarks
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Top 10 Attractions in Xian
Top Things to Do for Kids in Xian
How to Visit Xian on a Budget
The Starbucks in Xian
Top Markets in Xian
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Xian
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Xian
Top 10 Souvenirs in Xian
Xian Tourist Traps, Xian Tourist Scams
How to Visit Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
How to Visit Huaqing Hot Springs in Xi’an
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How to Visit Xi’an City Wall
The Ramparts of Quebec City and Xian City
How to Visit Shaanxi History Museum
How to Visit Xi’an Bell Tower
How to Visit Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Top 10 Photography Spots in Xi’an
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
How to Visit Hanyang Tombs Xi’an
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Xian
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Mt.Huashan Snow Scenes Photos
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The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
Xian City Wall Night View
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Xian’s Best Street Food
Xian Muslim Quarter Exotic Food
Xian Bar Street
Spring Festival Lantern Exhibit in Xian
Xian Terracotta Army Pictures
How to Visit Maijishan Grottoes from Xian by Train
How to Visit Hukou Waterfall
How to Visit Huangdi Mausoleum
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Beijing Xian Flight Experience
Datong Xian High Speed Train
Reviews on Beijing Xian Luoyang Tour
Visit Xian in January (Weather, Wear, & Tips)
Visit Xian in February
How to Visit Xian in March
Visit Xian in October
How to Visit Xian in November
Visit Xian in December
Any questions, just drop a line.
Hello
Is this show able on November-December 2014 ?
Thank you
Jorge
Hello Jorge,
Sorry, basically the show is on from April through October each year.
Hello,
I will be with a tour group in Xian on May 11. The scheduled program to the Terracotta Army, the Goose Pagoda, and a mosque in the islamic quarter would hopefully leave room for the “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” show in the evening. I have seen it before- it is just impressive! and I would like to take my wife to it. I would very much appreciate if you could give me some assistance.
1. Could you please tell me where can I book tickets?
2. Due to the large number of visitors it seemed to be difficult to find a taxi for the way back to the hotel. Do you have a suggestion how I can get a taxi with some reliability?
Thanks very much,
Claus
Hi Claus Fittschen,
Actually the venue of “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” show is located in Huaqing Hotspring, not far from the Terracotta Army. Basically people will choose to see the show after visiting the Terracotta Warriors.
In your case, it seems your trip to the Terracotta Army has been arranged by a travel agency. You’d better turn to your agent to customize your itinerary to cover the show in terms of transport and entrance ticket.
Have a good time in Xian!
Hello,
What’s the easiest way to book tickets to this show?
Thanks,
Freya
Hi Freya,
At the time of my writing, it is still not easy for foreign visitors to purchase tickets to the show.
1. Go to the ticketing office at Huaqing Hotspring and buy your tickets on the spot ( no discounts ）.
2. Book through its official website – http://www.changhenge.cn/. But it will be operational at the end of this May and it is it is right now only in Chinese!
3. Book your tickets by using the local travel agencies which may have their outlets at different hotels in Xian.
Have a good time in Xian!