Location & Transportation

The Liyuan Cultural Experience Area sits inside the sprawling grounds of Huaqing Pool (Huaqing Chi) in Xi’an’s Lintong District. It’s easy to reach: just a 30-minute taxi ride from Xi’an North Railway Station, or a scenic 90-minute bus journey from downtown Xi’an. If you’re driving, plug “No. 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District” into your GPS, and you’ll find yourself near the iconic Mount Li and the hot springs that made this place famous. The area is right next to the main entrance of Huaqing Palace, so you can’t miss it!

Natural Scenery

Nestled at the foot of Mount Li, the Liyuan Cultural Experience Area blends into a landscape of hot springs, ancient trees, and mist-covered hills. The air here feels crisp, especially in the morning when the pools steam gently. You’ll see traditional Chinese gardens with lotus-filled ponds and winding pathways—perfect for a leisurely stroll. The natural hot springs, said to be where Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang (Yang Guifei) once bathed, add a layer of history to the serene beauty.

Cultural Highlights

The heart of the Liyuan Cultural Experience Area is its cultural palace, built on the original site of the Tang Dynasty’s famous Liyuan (a training ground for palace musicians and actors). Inside, you’ll find exhibits that trace how this place evolved from a royal entertainment hub to a symbol of Chinese opera culture. Walls are covered with poems about Huaqing Pool, Yang Guifei, and the dances performed here. Even if you don’t understand Chinese, the vivid paintings and English captions bring the stories to life.

One highlight is a recreated stage where actors perform tang guangmu (Tang-era operas), giving you a glimpse of what royal entertainment looked like. There’s also a hall dedicated to Yang Guifei, filled with artwork showing her legendary beauty and her love story with Emperor Xuanzong.

Facilities for Visitors

The Liyuan Cultural Experience Area is visitor-friendly. You’ll find clear signs in English, clean restrooms, and shaded resting areas with wooden benches. Nearby, there are souvenir shops selling Tang-themed crafts, and a few tea houses where you can try local specialties like Huaqing pool tea (brewed with water from the hot springs). If you get hungry, small snacks and meals are available at the nearby food stalls.

Immersive Experience

What makes the Liyuan Cultural Experience Area special is its focus on interaction. Guides might invite you to try on Tang Dynasty costumes or learn a few opera gestures. Some exhibits even have QR codes you can scan to hear ancient Chinese melodies or watch short videos about royal performances. On weekends, live opera shows let you see how Liyuan traditions influenced modern Chinese opera.

For history buffs, the connection between this place and the Tang Dynasty is fascinating. While the original Liyuan no longer exists, the exhibits here paint a vivid picture of how music, dance, and poetry were central to royal life. And if you’re into poetry, you’ll love the walls covered in verses—it’s like a mini museum of Chinese literary tributes to Huaqing Pool’s beauty and tragedy.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Best Time: Spring and autumn offer mild weather, but winter brings a quieter atmosphere (and fewer crowds).
  • Combine with Other Sites: Huaqing Pool and Mount Li are right next door, so plan a full day to explore.
  • Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide to explain the historical links between Liyuan, Yang Guifei, and Tang opera.

The Liyuan Cultural Experience Area isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about stepping into a world where art, nature, and history merge. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese culture or just love beautiful landscapes, this spot offers a unique peek into Xi’an’s royal past.