The Song of Everlasting Sorrow: Xi'an's open-air night show
Chánghèn'gē
Xi'an's #1 show, staged where the story actually happened
Entry
From ¥199
Hours
Show times (2026) · 19:10 / 20:35 / 22:00 / 23:25
Time needed
1.0833333333333333–1.1666666666666667 hours
Booking
Required · 3 days ahead
Metro
Line 9 · Huaqingchi (华清池)
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow (长恨歌, Chánghèn'gē) is the night show travel guides rank first in Xi'an, and the setting is why. It is staged outdoors at [Huaqing Palace](/en/places/huaqing-palace) in Lintong, the hot-spring retreat where Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang Guifei actually spent their winters, with Jiulong Lake as the stage and the whole of Mount Li lit up behind it. Billed as China's first large-scale live-action historical dance drama, it retells Bai Juyi's Tang poem in ten wordless acts using hundreds of performers, water screens, fire and computer-controlled lighting; a 2026 upgraded version premiered this year. It runs about 65–70 minutes, up to four times a night, with seats from about ¥199 to ¥988. Because Lintong is roughly an hour from the city centre, most visitors pair it with a [Terracotta Army](/en/places/terracotta-army) day. Book real-name tickets ahead in peak season.
What you'll see
- Ten acts, from Yang Guifei's youth to the An Lushan Rebellion and reunion 'in heaven or on earth'
- Mount Li itself as the backdrop, lake water as the stage
- Water-screen projections, real fire and a starry-light finale
- No dialogue — narration and music carry the story
Show times and seasons
- Standard edition April–October; 'Ice & Fire' winter edition Dec–Feb
- 2026 posted times: 19:10, 20:35, 22:00, 23:25
- Later shows end near midnight — plan your ride back
- Rain doesn't usually cancel; ponchos are handed out
Tickets and seats
- Price bands ¥199–988; VIP zones A/B/C front and centre
- Middle zones are the best value; east/west zones have angled views
- Real-name booking — bring the passport you booked with
- Children ≤1.3 m free without a seat (one per adult)
Getting there and back
- Huaqing Palace is in Lintong, ~35–40 km from the city centre
- Combine with the Terracotta Army the same day
- Metro Line 9 serves Lintong; after late shows use DiDi or a pre-booked car
- Bring a warm layer — evenings at the foot of Mount Li are cool
Questions, answered
How long is the Song of Everlasting Sorrow show?
About 65–70 minutes with no interval; the official site lists 65 minutes for the 2026 version.
How much are Song of Everlasting Sorrow tickets?
Roughly ¥199–988 depending on zone and session; VIP A seats are ¥988.
Do I need a Huaqing Palace ticket to watch the show?
No. The show ticket is sold separately and only admits you to the performance area.
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Xi'an City Wall
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