About This Experience

"The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" is a grand outdoor performance staged at the Huaqing Palace hot springs near Xi'an. Based on the famous poem by Bai Juyi, it tells the tragic love story of Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved consort Yang Guifei. The show uses the actual palace and Mount Li as its stage, blending dance, music, and dramatic lighting into a spectacular evening performance.

What to Expect

The performance unfolds across the palace's pools and terraces, with the dark mountain backdrop adding drama to every scene. Hundreds of performers in elaborate Tang Dynasty costumes bring the story to life through traditional dance, acrobatics, and song. The water stage, projections onto the mountainside, and fireworks create a truly immersive experience. Even without understanding every word, the visual spectacle is mesmerising.

Practical Tips

• Performances are seasonal, typically running April to October
• Book tickets in advance — the show is extremely popular
• Bring a jacket — evening temperatures drop at the open-air venue
• The Huaqing Palace itself is worth visiting during the day before the show
• The venue is about 30 minutes east of Xi'an by car or bus