Location & Transport

Lotus Garden sits in the west of Huaqing Pool景区, right inside the historic Huaqing Palace grounds in Xi’an. It’s part of the palace’s five main cultural areas, centered around a pretty lake called芙蓉湖 (Lotus Lake). To get there, take Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station (华清池地铁站), exit at D, and walk about 7 minutes (424 steps)—you’ll see the palace gates ahead. If you’re coming by car, plug “Huaqing Palace, Lintong District” into your GPS, and look for the West Entrance near the lake.

Natural Scenery: A Lakeside Retreat

The heart of Lotus Garden is its lake, surrounded by willow trees and flower beds. In spring, pink blossoms and green leaves make it feel like a painting. Summer brings bright lotus flowers, while autumn paints the paths with golden leaves. Even in winter, the quiet lake and stone bridges have a calm, almost poetic vibe. Walk along the water’s edge, and you’ll spot koi fish swimming lazily—perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Cultural Stories: Tang Dynasty Magic

This place was once a royal garden for Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and his famous concubine Yang Guifei. The area connects to the Nine-Turn Corridor, where legend says they walked together, laughing. The长生殿 (Hall of Eternal Life) nearby marks their tragic love story—it’s like a real-life Romeo and Juliet but older. Even if you’re not into history, the ancient palace walls and traditional pavilions feel like stepping back in time.

Practical Tips: What to Bring

Wear comfy shoes! The garden isn’t huge, but you’ll explore stone paths, climb steps to Hall of Eternal Life, and wander corridors. Bring water, especially in summer, and a hat for sun protection. If you love photos, visit early morning or late afternoon—the light on the lake is magical. For food, there’s a small café near the entrance selling noodles and tea, or try local snacks like 肉夹馍 (roujiamo) outside the palace.

Extra Fun: Light Shows & More

At night, Huaqing Palace sometimes hosts light shows with music and dance—ask staff about schedules. Nearby, you can also visit the hot springs pools (华清御汤) where emperors bathed, or hike up Mount Li (骊山) for more views. If you’re staying longer, the Huaqing Yutang Hotel next door has fancy rooms with traditional decor.

Family-Friendly Details

Restrooms are clean and easy to find, and there’s a visitor center with maps. Strollers are okay on most paths, but some stone areas might be bumpy. Kids will love feeding fish or running in the open square near the West Gate. Just remind them not to pick the flowers!

Lotus Garden isn’t crowded like the city’s other spots, so you can enjoy quiet time with history. Whether you’re into nature, photos, or old stories, it’s a hidden gem inside Huaqing Palace. After visiting, grab a taxi to the city—it’s only 30 minutes to the Bell Tower!