Location & How to Get There

Shang Shi Tang sits inside the Huaqing Palace complex in Xi’an’s Lintong District, just a short walk from the famous Terracotta Warriors. The exact address is No. 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong, Shaanxi Province. To reach it, take Bus 914 or 915 from downtown Xi’an, or a taxi/ride-hailing app like Didi. If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot near the entrance. For metro users, get off at Xianyang Airport Station (Line 9) and transfer to a bus—it’s about 40 minutes total.

Natural Scenery

Nestled at the foot of Mount Li, Shang Shi Tang feels peaceful. The area buzzes with hot springs, and you’ll spot steam rising from nearby pools. Lush trees and ancient architecture blend with the mountain views, making it a perfect spot for photos. The air smells faintly of minerals, and in winter, the mist from the springs adds a mystical vibe.

Cultural & Historical Vibes

Shang Shi Tang is all about royal history! Back in the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong gifted this bathhouse to officials who managed his food (the “Shang Shi” bureau). Even lower-ranked palace staff could bathe here, which was a big deal back then. The pool is simple but cool—a stone wall splits it into east and west sides. You’ll see three sets of steps leading down, showing how busy this place got. Fun fact: The number of steps matched an official’s rank—the higher the rank, the fewer steps they needed! At the bottom, tiny holes in the floor were supposedly for scrubbing toes—talk about attention to detail!

Practical Tips

  • Tickets: Included in Huaqing Palace’s combo ticket (~¥120). Check online for discounts.
  • Hours: Open daily 7:00 AM–6:00 PM. Go early to avoid crowds.
  • Tours: Rent a Bluetooth headset (¥30) for English audio guides. Guided tours start near the entrance.
  • Souvenirs: Buy mini replicas of the stone steps or hot spring soap by the exit.

Visitor Experience

Walking into Shang Shi Tang feels like stepping back in time. The water is still warm! Some visitors dip their hands (don’t bathe full-body, though). The guide will point out carvings and ancient drain holes. Personally, I loved picturing Tang officials gossiping here—so relatable! It’s a small spot, so you won’t need hours, but pair it with Huaqing Palace’s other sites (like the Lover’s Plane Tree) for a full day.

Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—those stone steps get slippery! And bring a refillable water bottle; there’s a drinking fountain near the rest area.

This spot mixes history, nature, and quirky details. Perfect for culture buffs or anyone who likes a good royal story!