Xi’an is no stranger to time. With its ancient walls, imperial tombs, and silken memories, it holds centuries of stories in its bones. Yet among its many treasures, one experience captures the grandeur and heartbreak of the Tang Dynasty like no other—The Song of Everlasting Sorrow (长恨歌).
Set beside the tranquil waters of Nine-Dragon Lake in Huaqing Palace, this outdoor stage show is unlike anything else in China. Inspired by Bai Juyi’s iconic poem, the performance blends music, light, dance, and real scenery to tell the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei (the emperor’s favorite concubine ). It’s a moving, multisensory experience—and for foreign travelers, a vivid way to feel the spirit of the Tang Dynasty come alive.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to visit The Song of Everlasting Sorrow—from getting to Huaqing Palace, buying tickets, and understanding the storyline, to where to stay and what else to explore nearby. Let’s step into the poetry and passion of ancient Xi’an.
1. How to Get to The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show
Huaqing Palace, the stage for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, lies about 30 kilometers east of downtown Xi’an, in Lintong District. Thankfully, getting there is easy—whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for convenience.
If you’re up for the most budget-friendly route, hop on Metro Line 9. Ride all the way to Huaqingchi Station, which takes about an hour from the city center. Use Exit B or C, then enjoy a short 10-minute walk to the palace gates.
Alternatively, the 306 (You 5) or 307 bus from Xi’an Railway Station drops you right at Huaqingchi. These lines are tourist favorites and run regularly.
Want the easiest option? Grab a taxi or a ride-share like DiDi. From landmarks like the Bell Tower or Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the ride takes 40 to 50 minutes and costs around ¥100–¥150 RMB.
For travelers who prefer a guided experience, several tour agencies offer combo packages that include the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, and The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, with round-trip transport included.
Pro tip: Since the performance starts in the evening, try to arrive 1 to 1.5 hours early to pick up your tickets and settle into your seat. After the show, you can take the metro back to Xi’an (last train around 10:30 PM) or pre-book a return ride. Planning ahead makes the whole experience seamless—and unforgettable.
2. What to Expect – Scene-by-Scene Story Overview
The performance of The Song of Everlasting Sorrow unfolds in nine dramatic scenes, inspired by Bai Juyi’s timeless Tang Dynasty poem. It’s not just a show—it’s an emotional journey, told through dance, music, and breathtaking real scenery under the open sky. The entire performance lasts around 70 minutes, and every moment feels cinematic, thanks to dazzling lights and natural landscapes as the backdrop.
Act One: Chosen by the Emperor’s Side
The story begins with Yang Yuhuan—later known as Yang Guifei—summoned to the palace. Adorned in silk and jewels, she captivates Emperor Xuanzong with just one glance. “A single smile from her eclipsed all others in the palace,” the poem says—and the stage makes you believe it.
Under golden lights, the emperor gifts her a jeweled hairpin, sealing their love. The palace bursts into color with a grand ceremony. Ministers pay tribute. Dancers with flowing sleeves whirl like clouds. Music swells. Laughter fills the court. In this moment, all is perfect—joy, love, and promise shimmer in the air.
This first act sets the tone: opulent, romantic, and filled with the magic of a Tang Dynasty fairy tale. If you’re wondering how to visit The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, just know—it’s more than a performance. It’s the opening chapter of a legend that will break your heart and dazzle your senses.
Act Two: Whispered Vows Beneath the Moonlight
The stage darkens. Above the lake, stars begin to shimmer. A silver moon hangs low—quiet, watchful.
“On the seventh night, in the Hall of Everlasting Life, they whispered in secret at midnight…” The line from Bai Juyi’s poem floats to life.
In this tender scene, Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei gaze at the Milky Way, speaking softly of love under the starlit sky. Surrounded by fragrant peonies, they laugh, chase each other, and light incense as a promise of devotion.
Then comes the vow that echoes through the ages:
“In heaven, we wish to be two lovebirds flying wing to wing; on earth, we wish to be two trees with branches entwined.”
It’s one of the most intimate moments in The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. The stage glows with moonlight and memory. You don’t just watch it—you feel it.
If you’re planning how to visit The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, this scene alone is worth the journey. It’s pure poetry brought to life beneath the Xi’an night sky.
Act Three: A Spring Bath in Huaqing Pool
Mist rises over the stage, soft as breath. The scene shifts to the famed Huaqing Pool—an imperial hot spring nestled at the foot of Mount Li.
Under a delicate curtain of falling water, Yang Guifei appears, surrounded by graceful palace maids. She wears only sheer silks, her figure gliding like poetry through the steam. The emperor watches from the shadows as his beloved bathes, her movements slow and fluid, like petals drifting in rain.
The line from the poem comes alive:
“The warm spring water slipped over her smooth, creamy skin…”
In the soft glow, Yang Guifei becomes the very image of Tang beauty—voluptuous, delicate, radiant. Her form dances within the transparent waters like a jade branch kissed by dew, or a pear blossom in the rain.
This is one of the most visually stunning scenes in The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. It’s sensual yet elegant, bold yet refined—a reflection of Tang Dynasty aesthetics at their peak.
If you’re wondering how to enjoy The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, know that moments like this don’t just show beauty—they immerse you in it.
Act Four: In the Palace Above the Clouds
Suddenly, the stage bursts into color and movement. Towering palace walls shimmer under golden light. This is the Tang court at its height—grand, imposing, filled with opulence.
General An Lushan arrives to pay respects to the emperor and Yang Guifei. As a tribute, he brings with him exotic dancers from the western regions. They perform the Huxuan and Huteng dances—whirling, powerful, and wild. Their music is bold, their energy unstoppable.
It’s a celebration of cultural fusion. The Tang Dynasty, open and curious, welcomes the rhythms of Central Asia. The court erupts in cheer. Yang Guifei, swept up in the excitement, joins the dancers. Her silk sleeves swirl, her laughter echoes. She spins in time with the wild dance, glowing with joy and abandon.
This act is a feast for the senses—one of the most dazzling parts of the performance. If you’re planning your visit to The Song of Everlasting Sorrow show, this scene captures the pulse of a dynasty at its most vibrant, where east meets west in a festival of light, sound, and movement.
Act Five: Drunk on Spring and Sweet Wine
The banquet is over. Lanterns flicker. Music fades into a gentle hum.
Yang Guifei steps down from the jade pavilion, her figure swaying softly. She’s drunk—not just from wine, but from love, luxury, and the warmth of spring. Her every movement is poetry in motion, like willows dancing in the breeze or mist gliding over a stream at dusk.
Her eyes are half-closed. A smile plays on her lips. Each step carries the glow of indulgence. The emperor watches, enchanted. Even Gao Lishi, the loyal eunuch who attends her, remains perfectly still, afraid to break the spell.
This is a moment of peak romance and softness—before the storm to come. The scene evokes not just Tang beauty, but the fleeting nature of pleasure. It’s light, lush, and dreamlike.
If you’re seeking the best way to experience The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, this act is where emotion flows like wine. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the emperor’s private dream. And just like him, you may never want to leave.
Act Six: Heavenly Music in the Air
At the foot of Mount Li, the imperial palace glows like a dream. Lanterns shimmer. Silk curtains flutter. The air fills with the soft strains of music—slow, sweet, and otherworldly.
This is the Pear Garden, the emperor’s personal troupe of musicians and dancers. Tonight, it dazzles. Under the blooming hibiscus flowers, Yang Guifei leads the dancers in a graceful performance. Their wide sleeves swirl like clouds. Their shoulders glisten under silk and moonlight.
Emperor Xuanzong joins her, not just as a ruler, but as a lover. They move together, their eyes locked, their hands brushing. The music floats around them—light as wind, rich as honey.
In this moment, it seems their love will last forever.
This act captures the height of Tang elegance and romance. If you’re curious about what to expect at The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, this is the moment where beauty, music, and devotion blend into pure enchantment. It’s love turned into art, set beneath Xi’an’s ancient sky.
Act Seven: The War Drums of Rebellion
Then, everything shatters.
The soft glow of love is ripped away by the thunder of rebellion. The drums of Yuyang pound like thunder across the mountains—An Lushan has risen.
Tongguan falls. The capital trembles. What once was a dream of flowers and silk turns to chaos and smoke.
In the hills, fire and fear spread. Inside the palace, courtesans flee. Silk curtains burn. The emperor’s beloved fu rong bed, once filled with warmth and laughter, is now swallowed by flames.
And so is the dream of the Tang Golden Age.
The love between Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, so beautiful and bright, begins to unravel. With the war comes a different truth—one where duty outweighs desire, and empires crack under the weight of ambition.
This is the turning point in The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. If you’re looking to understand the emotional depth of this outdoor show, this act hits the heart. It reminds us that even the most perfect love cannot escape the tide of history.
Act Eight: The Hairpin Falls, and No One Comes to Lift It
The emperor flees west, the empire collapsing behind him. Yang Guifei follows, weary and silent, to a place called Mawei Slope.
But there, tragedy waits.
The imperial guards revolt. They demand blood to calm the unrest. In the pale moonlight, Emperor Xuanzong is forced to make an impossible choice.
He cannot protect her. He cannot let her live.
Yang Guifei stands alone—her jeweled hairpin fallen to the ground, no one there to pick it up. The emperor looks on, heartbroken, as the white silk wraps around her like fate itself. She dies quietly, with beauty and sorrow etched across her face.
Her final moments echo through the hills, carried by haunting melodies and dim moonlight.
This is the most heart-wrenching scene in The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. If you’re planning to watch The Song of Everlasting Sorrow in Xi’an, prepare to feel every note of this devastating moment. It’s not just a story—it’s a loss you witness, and won’t soon forget.
Act Nine: Heaven and Earth, Reunited at Last
Snow falls over Chang’an. Cold wind whips through empty halls. Emperor Xuanzong returns alone, his heart broken, his empire changed.
But Yang Guifei never leaves him.
Her face, her laughter—he sees them in every shadow. Grief haunts him. Until one night, in a dream, he enters the fairyland of Penglai.
There, under starlight, he sees her again.
She is radiant, waiting. They gaze at each other through tears, then fall into each other’s arms. Heaven has given them what earth could not—a second chance.
Immortal maidens dance with flowing silks, their sleeves fluttering like clouds. The music rises into the sky as the legendary “Rainbow Feathered Garment Dance” begins—a final celebration of love’s return.
White doves soar above the stage, their wings like soft prayers. Together, the emperor and his beloved speak their eternal vow once more:
“In heaven, we shall be two lovebirds flying wing to wing…”
For anyone wondering what makes The Song of Everlasting Sorrow unforgettable, this final scene is your answer. It’s bittersweet, beautiful, and breathtaking—a love story that lingers, even after the lights fade.
3. Showtimes & Ticket Prices for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is a seasonal outdoor performance, and the schedule shifts slightly depending on the time of year.
📅 Showtimes
- High Season (April–October): Two shows nightly at 8:10 PM and 9:40 PM
- Low Season (November–March): Usually one show per night at 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM
- Duration: About 70 minutes
🎟️ Ticket Prices
| Seating Area | Price (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VIP Zone | ¥988–¥1288 | Best views and center seating |
| Central Area | ¥588–¥788 | Great value and clear views |
| Side Zones | ¥298–¥388 | Budget-friendly but side angle |
💡 Tips for Booking Tickets
- Prices may vary slightly by season—book early to lock in your spot.
- Foreign travelers must provide passport details when purchasing tickets.
- For the best experience watching The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, we recommend arriving at least 1 hour early to pick up your tickets and find your seat without stress.
Want the best seats for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow? Aim for central or VIP zones—they’re worth it for the view alone.
4. How to Book Tickets for The Song of Everlasting Sorrow
Securing tickets to The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is not that simple, a bit tricky —just don’t leave it to the last minute, especially in peak season. Here’s how you can book:
✅ 1. Official Channels (Recommended)
- Huaqing Palace official website offers an English interface, but it doesn’t currently support direct booking for foreign users.
- WeChat Official Account “华清宫景区”: This works well if you have a Chinese phone number, but registration is required.
✅ 2. Travel Agencies / OTA Platforms
- Viator, Trip.com, and Klook are great for international travelers. They accept foreign credit cards and often include optional transfers from Xi’an.
- Some high-end hotels in Xi’an can also help guests book tickets.
👉Explore Huaqing Palace Tours and Tickets with local guides via Viator — an unforgettable, immersive experience
⚠️ 3. On-site Purchase (Not Recommended)
- Tickets often sell out during high season. If you must buy on-site, arrive early—but booking 2–3 days in advance is safer.
🎟️ Ticket Pickup Tips
- You’ll need to exchange your e-ticket for a paper ticket at the venue. Arrive at least 1 hour early to avoid last-minute stress.
- In case of rain, the show might be canceled or postponed. Check with your provider before heading out.
If you’re planning how to book The Song of Everlasting Sorrow tickets, go digital, go early, and double-check the weather forecast.
5. Where to Stay Near Huaqing Palace
If you’d rather not rush back to Xi’an after the show, staying overnight in Lintong District is a great idea. It’s not only more relaxing—it also makes visiting the Terracotta Warriors the next morning super convenient.
🏨 Luxury Hotels (Walking Distance to Huaqing Palace)
- Huaqing Yutang Hotel: A 5-star stay with spa-like hot spring experiences, right next to the palace.
- Angsana Xi’an Lintong: A scenic international resort with modern amenities and beautiful gardens.
💼 Budget-Friendly Hotels
- Home Inn / Hanting Hotel: Clean, simple, and located along Metro Line 9. Perfect for travelers watching their budget.
💡 Tips for Booking Accommodation
- Book early—especially during peak season, as rooms near the venue fill up fast.
- Some hotels offer combo packages that include tickets to The Song of Everlasting Sorrow and one night’s stay. It’s a great way to simplify your travel plans.
For those planning a smooth and scenic visit to The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, staying overnight in Lintong lets you enjoy the show without the rush—and wake up next to history.
6. What to See Near Huaqing Palace
Staying near Huaqing Palace isn’t just convenient—it opens the door to some of China’s most iconic historical treasures. If you’re planning to experience The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, make time to explore these nearby sites too:
🏺 Terracotta Army Museum (A Must-See)
Just 10 kilometers away, this world-famous archaeological site pairs perfectly with your evening show. Many travelers visit the Terracotta Warriors in the morning, then enjoy The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at night—an unforgettable day in Chinese history.
🚠 Lishan Cable Car
Ride the cable car up Mount Li for sweeping views of Huaqing Palace and the surrounding valley. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to see the land that once belonged to emperors and poets.
⚱️ Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang
Often visited alongside the Terracotta Army, this is the final resting place of China’s first emperor. History buffs won’t want to miss it.
🏛️ Lintong Museum
Small but full of character, this free museum showcases Tang Dynasty relics and local heritage. It’s a quiet cultural stop between big sights.
Planning your route around Huaqing Palace? These spots help turn your visit into a deeper journey through China’s imperial past.
Wrap-Up: Suggested Itinerary & Final Tips
✅ Ideal Itinerary for a Perfect Day in Lintong:
- Afternoon: Visit Huaqing Palace or explore the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army
- Evening: Watch The Song of Everlasting Sorrow under the stars
- Overnight: Stay at a Lintong hot spring hotel—soak in the same style of baths once enjoyed by Tang royals
👉Explore Huaqing Palace Tours and Tickets with local guides via Viator — an unforgettable, immersive experience
Among all the performances in Xi’an, The Song of Everlasting Sorrow stands out. It’s not just a show—it’s an emotional journey through the splendor, passion, and tragedy of the Tang Dynasty.
For foreign visitors looking to connect with Chinese history on a deeper level, this is a must-see. Plan ahead, book your tickets early, and give yourself time to enjoy the entire experience—from ancient ruins to twilight stage magic.
You won’t just watch history here—you’ll feel it.
