Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Xi’an

Written by Clementine | Updated January 26,2026

Song of Ever Lasting Sorrow is originally a poem by Bai Juyi, one of the greatest poets in the middle Tang Dynasty. Artists in Xian created the Everlasting Sorrow Performance according to the poem based on the study of the Tang Dynasty music art. The show is performed daily from April to Oct. as long as the weather is good.

The performance is staged in Huaqing Hot Spring Scenic Area on the open-air stage with Mount Lishan, and artificial buildings and lakes as background. The complete performance lasts 70 minutes and falls into ten chapters.

- - Location: 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi’an City, inside Huaqing Palace.
  - Ticket price: from CNY 238 per person
  - Show Times: 18:30-19:40; 19:55-21:05; 21:20-22:30
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Why Recommend the Show?

It is the first large-scale live-action historical dance drama in China and is performed at the real site where it happened, offering a time-travel experience.
Utilizing various high-techs, like holographic laser projection, 3D technology, etc, a stunning visual effect is created. Even if you do not learn Chinese, you can also be captivated.
The emotions transcend borders, so its story easily resonates with foreign audiences.
The show itself is a vivid exhibition of Tang Dynasty culture. The reproduced Tang costumes, music and dance can be enjoyed in the show.

Storyline of the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show

In prologue, the young Lady Yang dance with music among lotus flowers. Lady Yang is selected into imperial palace and fall in love with the Emperor Xunazong at first sight. So Lady Yang was luckily conferred concubine of the Emperor and Xuanzong help conferring ceremony for Lady Yang.

In chapter two, the Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang is spending romantic time under moonlight. They whispering, dancing and swearing their constant love to each other.

In chapter three, Lady Yang is taking a bath in the Huaqing Hot Spring. Being surrounded by imperial maids and protected from people’s sight by a layer of gossamer, the femine figure of Lady Yang is gleaming.

In chapter four, General An Lushan who stations in northwest frontier is back to Chang’an to visit Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang. During banquet, the General danced Tartar Dance. The tarter dance and roaring of the General makes all other dancers cannot help but to dance the Tartar dance, too. And the head master of the nation, Emperor Xunzong also participates in the dancing.

In chapter five, Lady Yang spends the extravagant and dissipated court life. The slightly drunk lady after banquet or after drinking with the Emperor presents looks beautiful and charming.

In chapter six, at foot of the Mount Lishan, the Emperor Xunzong and Lady Yang enjoy dance and music show in Pear Garden. Later, Lady Yang begins to dance to the music. And then the Emperor Xuanzong definitely gets lost in the dance of his sweetheart.

In chapter seven, the Emperor Xuanzong holds birthday party for his sweetheart and feast governmental officials at the Immortality Palace. Lady Yang dance for her beloved man and the officials. And the composition played by the Emperor Xuanzong lead the party to its peak time.

Too much affection to Lady Yang makes the Emperor Xunaong fall into land of warmth and tenderness and so he forgets his primary duty: national politics and national peace. It is just his too much attention to Lady Yang what ends his life as the head master of the nation.

In chapter eight, General An Lushan revolts. The invading troops stops the emperor’s dream with Lady Yang, set fires on the paradise of the love birds, and drives the emperor and his beloved Lady Yang off the imperial palace.

In chapter nine, the Emperor Xunzong escapes from imperial palace with Lady Yang. The soldiers all believe it is Lady Yang who lead to the disaster and threaten Xuanzong that only if he kill Lady Yang they will continue defending the Emperor. Xunzong has no other choice but kill his beloved lady with white silk.

In chapter ten, the soul of the Emperor Xuanzong rise onto moon and meets Lady Yang at the palace on moon. The two love birds dance in the palace on moon and express their everlasting love and sorrow.

Massive Scale & Technical Effects

Scale & Setting

The show is held in the real scenery. When hundreds of performers start dancing on the stage made by mountains, waters, the sky and the land, audiences will immediately get an unparalleled sense of immersion, and really feel like stepping into a grand night in the Tang Dynasty.

Technical & Visual Effects

There will be lighting & projection across mountains, pavilions, and water surfaces, which is designed to create an illusionary and shifting world, to transform the entire area into a living painting. With the beauty of nature and modern technology being woven together, you’ll see a level of visual spectacle that is rarely seen elsewhere in China.

Tickets & Schedule

Schedule:

Spring, summer and autumn: 20:10, 21:35, 23:00, 00:25; winter: 18:30, 19:55, 21:20, 22:45

Tickets:

Area	Ticket prices for the first and second show	Ticket prices for the third show	Ticket prices for the fourth show
VIP Area	Area A: CNY 988	Area A: CNY 988	Area A: CNY 988
VIP Area	Area B: CNY 888	Area B: CNY 888	Area B: CNY 888
VIP Area	Area C: CNY 588	Area C: CNY 588	Area C: CNY 588
Middle Area	Area A: CNY 398	Area A: CNY 378	Area A: CNY 358
Middle Area	Area B: CNY 368	Area B: CNY 348	Area B: CNY 328
East and West Area	Area A: CNY 308	Area A: CNY 278	Area A: CNY 258
East and West Area	Area B: CNY 278	Area B: CNY 248	Area B: CNY 228

How to Get To

Since the opening of metro line 9, taking the metro has been the first choice for most tourists. First, you can take metro line 1 or 6 to Fangzhicheng Station and then transfer to line 9 to Huaqingchi Station. After exiting from exit B or C, you only need to walk for about 5 minutes to the entrance. Another option is the tourist line 5, which sets out from Fangzhicheng Bus Station. If you plan to take a taxi, the cost and duration from city center are about CNY 150 – 200 and 1 hour, respectively.

Best time to Go

Considering the body comfort, spring and autumn are the best seasons with cool nights. And the Lishan Mountain is covered with green trees and colorful flowers or leaves in the two seasons, creating a poetic scene under the performance lights.

While the best visual effect is in summer. When it is completely dark, the lighting, water screen, and flame effects are more striking. But it is relatively hot and tourists need to prepare mosquito repellent.

The performances in winter are usually earlier and some special effects have been added, such as the snow scene. There are fewer tourists, but the weather is cold. Do wear warm clothes.

Tips for Watching the Show

It is recommended to avoid weekends and peak summer periods, as they tend to be crowded and tickets may be limited.
Considering the significant temperature differences between day and night in early summer and late autumn, it is recommended to check the weather in advance and prepare thick clothes accordingly.
Ticket Categories: Seats are divided into VIP, A, B, and C zones. VIP and A seats provide the best central view of both the stage and the mountain backdrop, while C zone is more budget-friendly but will unavoidably be far from the stage.
Arrive Early:It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. Staff will guide you to your seats.
Peak vs. Off-Season: Peak season (July–August & holidays): Usually three performances per night. Shoulder season (April–June, September–October): Often two shows per night.
Weather & Clothing:The show will be held Bring a jacket in case the nights get chilly.
Tickets:Purchase tickets in advance through official agents or platforms. It can be sold old really quickly in high season.

Attractions Nearby

Terracotta Warriors and Horses: One of the top reasons for people travel to Xian. Marvel at over 8,000 life-size clay soldiers and horses that were burried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Li Mountain: Standing at a height of about 1,256 meters, the mountain had served as royal garden since the Zhou period. It is known for the stunning natural scenery, many ancient temples, and the earliest military observation tower in China.

FAQs about the Show

What is “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” based on?

It’s based on the Tang dynasty poem Chang Hen Ge by Bai Juyi, which tells the legendary love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei.

Is the romance historically accurate?

While the figures and events are real, the performance is highly dramatized. Many elements are artistic interpretation rather than strict history.

What is the significance of Mount Li and Huaqing Pool?

Mount Li provides the dramatic mountainous backdrop, and Huaqing Pool (Hot Springs) is historically tied to the romantic legend.

Is the show suitable for children or non–Chinese speakers?

Yes, it’s generally family-friendly. Even if you don’t understand all the narration, the visual storytelling, dance, and atmosphere can still convey the emotion.

Which months is it performed?

Typically from April through October, depending on weather conditions.

Should I buy tickets in advance and where?

Yes, but it as early as possible, especially during high season.You can purchase online in advance via official providers or recognized tour platforms.

Plan Your Memorable Xi’an Trip with China Xian Tour

To make the most of your visit, consider booking with China Xian Tour. We offer customizable itineraries which can let you impressively walk into the sorrowful story of Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang, while also explore many other highlights in Xi’an. Our guides will take care everything for you, so that you can explore the full charm of the city’s history and culture.