If you are looking for a night show in Xi’an that’s worth watching, the Song of Everlasting Sorrow show can be a bonus after your visit to the Terracotta Warriors.
The show tells the love story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his beloved consort Yang Guifei through dance, music, water scenes, and lighting. Performed at the Huaqing Palace, the Song of Everlasting Sorrow show incorporates Mount Li, Jiulong Lake, and palace buildings into the stage setting.
As a first-time visitor, you will want to sort out a few things in advance: tickets, seating, show times, and how to return to Xi’an city after the show.
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- Song of Everlasting Sorrow Overview
- Is the Show Watching?
- What Is the Show About?
- Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Palace + Song of Everlasting Sorrow
- Tickets, Seats, Timing & Practical Tips
- Add Song of Everlasting Sorrow to Your Xi’an Tour Itinerary
Song of Everlasting Sorrow Overview
- English title: The Song of Everlasting Sorrow
- Chinese title: 长恨歌 (cháng hèn gē)
- Venue: Huaqing Palace Scenic Area
- Address: 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi’an
- Type: Large-scale outdoor live historical dance drama
- Running time: 70 minutes
- Ticket prices (for reference): CNY 219–988
- Suitable for: First-time visitors interested in ancient Chinese history and culture, stage plays, and night shows
Ticket prices and show times are subject to the season, date, and other circumstances; please refer to the latest information at the time of booking.
Is the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Worth Watching?
If you will be staying in Xi’an for 2 to 3 days and enjoy history, culture, or stage performances, the Song of Everlasting Sorrow is worth considering for your Xi’an itinerary.
The most interesting part of the experience is that the performance is held at one of the key locations where the story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei took place. After dark, Mount Li becomes a natural backdrop, while Jiulong Lake and palace buildings gradually light up. The water scenes, dance, and music offer a more immersive atmosphere than a conventional indoor performance.
If you plan only one day for Xi’an, or if you have little interest in large-scale performances, you don’t need to cut out the core attractions such as the Terracotta Warriors and the Xi’an City Wall.
Can Foreigners Understand the Song of Everlasting Sorrow?
You can still watch the show even if you don’t understand Chinese.
The story progresses mainly through the movements, dance, music, costumes, and visual effects, which means the audience doesn’t have to strictly follow each line of dialogue.
However, it won’t hurt to spend a few minutes to get a rough idea of what happened between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei, so you can better feel the “everlasting sorrow”.
What Is the Song of Everlasting Sorrow About?
“Song of Everlasting Sorrow” was originally a long narrative poem written by the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi, and was later adapted into a live dance drama that we watch at Huaqing Palace today.
The main characters of the story are Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Longji, and his consort Yang Guifei (Yang Yuhuan).
After joining the imperial family, Yang Yuhuan quickly won the favor of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and the Huaqing Palace held many of their happy memories. Tragically, the An-Shi Rebellion broke out. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang escaped from Chang’an, and on the way, the Maweipo Coup occurred. Yang was blamed for the rebellion and forced to take her own life.
The second part of the performance moves from the tragedy to a more romantic imagination, allowing the two to meet again in a fairyland, and granting the story a happy ending.
For your first viewing, don’t feel pressured to study the plot of every act; simply remember how the story flows, so you can keep pace with it:
Falling in Love → Life in the heyday of the Tang Dynasty → An-Shi Rebellion → Farewell at Maweipo → Reunited in the fairyland
How to Plan Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Palace + Song of Everlasting Sorrow?
For tourists visiting Xi’an for the first time, the recommended itinerary is: Terracotta Warriors → Huaqing Palace → Dinner → Song of Everlasting Sorrow → Return to city center
Specifically, you can take a morning tour of the Terracotta Warriors, then head directly to Huaqing Palace. If you have sufficient time, just slow down and spend the afternoon at Huaqing Palace and enjoy the Song of Everlasting Sorrow after a relaxed dinner.
The biggest advantage of this itinerary is that you don’t have to waste much time commuting between Lintong and Xi’an city.
Visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors before witnessing the spectacular Song of Everlasting Sorrow, a live outdoor performance set against the natural backdrop of Lishan Mountain.
Song of Everlasting Sorrow: Tickets, Seats, Timing & Practical Tips
How Much Are Song of Everlasting Sorrow Tickets?
Ticket prices vary depending on the seating area and show time, with recent prices approximately as follows:
Seating Area |
Reference Ticket Prices |
East Wing/West Wing |
CNY 219–339 |
Central |
CNY 289–409 |
VIP |
CNY 588–988 |
*The above prices are for budget reference only.
What Are the Best Seats for Song of Everlasting Sorrow?
For first-time viewers, the VIP area may not be the most cost-efficient option.
The stage for “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” covers an extensive area, with mountains, water, palaces, and lights all part of the setting. For your first visit, consider the central area, which offers a relatively complete view of the stage.
If you’re on a budget, the east and west wings can be good choices for a full show, while the VIP area suits travelers who want the best view and experience.
In short, the central area is the best option for first-time viewers; the view alone is enough for a good experience of the show.
How Long Is the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show? When Does the Show Start?
Usually, each show runs about 70 minutes. But the show time is not fixed year-round; it may be subject to adjustment depending on season, date, and the schedule of the day.
Taking 20th September, 2026 as an example, four shows were scheduled on that day:
- First show: 19:40
- Second show: 21:05
- Third show: 22:30
- Last show:23:55
Most tourists choose the first show, as the timing makes it more convenient to return to the city center after it finishes. The show times are for reference only. If you choose a night show, be sure to plan your return trip.
How to Get to the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show?
The performance venue of “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” is the Huaqing Palace Scenic Area in Lintong, about 30 kilometers from the Xi’an Bell Tower. It usually takes 50 minutes to 1 hour to drive from the city center.
By Metro
Take Xi’an Metro Line No.9 and get off at Huaqingchi Station, then walk to Huaqing Palace.
By Taxi or Private Car
The car ride from the Bell Tower area to Lintong takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour. If you plan to visit the Terracotta Warriors in the morning, you can arrange the visits to “Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Palace + Song of Everlasting Sorrow” on the same day to avoid the trouble of traveling back and forth.
How to Return to Xi’an City After the Show?
If you are watching the first show, you can check the metro timetable for information on the last departure of the day; if the night show ends late, it is recommended to hire a private vehicle for your return trip in advance.
China Xian Tour can arrange vehicles based on your schedule for the Terracotta Warriors and the “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” show. This way, you can return directly to the hotel without having to worry about finding a taxi after a night show.
Can I Watch the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show on Rainy Days?
“Song of Everlasting Sorrow” is an outdoor live show, so the weather will affect the viewing experience.
Light rain generally does not affect the performance schedule, but in the event of severe weather such as storms, thunder, and lightning, the show is very likely to be adjusted or canceled.
The safest move is to double-check the weather right before your departure. It’s recommended to bring a light jacket on spring and autumn evenings and prepare umbrellas or raincoats in summer. When the weather turns colder, remember to wear an extra layer compared to your daytime outfit, as you will be sitting outdoors for about 70 minutes.
Should I Book Tickets for the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Advance?
To secure your spot in peak season, book your tickets 10 days before the show.
Popular shows and seats sell out in a flash, especially during July to August, weekends, and public holidays. Remember to book the tickets as early as possible if you want to watch the first show or sit in the central area.
During the off-season, flexible arrangements can be made based on remaining tickets. Please refer to the actual ticket-selling situation at the time of booking.
Add Song of Everlasting Sorrow to Your Xi’an Tour Itinerary
If the Terracotta Warriors are already on your travel plan, consider combining them with Huaqing Palace and the Song of Everlasting Sorrow on the same day. This route helps to run your tour smoothly, with minimum transportation needed from/to Xi’an city.
If you are accompanied by an English-speaking guide, it’s a good chance to learn about the story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his consort Yang Guifei at the Huaqing Palace. The story will feel even more intriguing when you watch the show in the evening.
To help make your Song of Everlasting Sorrow experience more enjoyable and hassle-free, China Xian Tour is always here to help plan your day-by-day itinerary, book the tickets, and arrange private vehicles for your return trip after the show.
