Location & Access

Star Hot Spring sits within the Tang Dynasty Huaqing Palace Imperial Baths Museum, located at No. 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. To get there, you can take the metro to Xianyang Airport Station and transfer to bus 602 or 613, which drops you right outside the Huaqing Pool scenic area. If you’re coming from downtown Xi’an, it’s about a 40-minute drive—perfect for combining a visit with nearby attractions like the Terracotta Warriors.

Natural Charm

Nestled in a lush hillside, Star Hot Spring feels tucked into nature. The hot spring water here is crystal clear and flows directly from an ancient source, making it one of the purest and most powerful springs in the area. At night, the lack of roofs or walls means you can soak under the open sky, just like emperors did centuries ago. On a clear night, the stars reflect on the water’s surface, creating a magical, “starry” bathing experience—hence the name Star Hot Spring.

Historical Vibes

This hot spring pool dates back to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (Li Shimin) and was later used by several emperors. It’s over 100 years older than the famous “Noble Concubine’s Pool” (associated with Emperor Xuanzong’s consort Yang Guifei). Unlike other restored pools, Star Hot Spring retains its original simplicity, with no pipes or modern additions—the water gushes straight from the source. Behind the pool, you can see the ancient spring’s mouth, which still bubbles with hot water today.

Cultural Stories

Legends say emperors bathed here under the stars, enjoying the natural hot spring’s healing powers. The design is deliberately minimal: no ceilings or barriers, so they could connect with the sky. Locals joke that this was the world’s first “starlit spa”! Today, stepping into Star Hot Spring feels like walking back in time, imagining emperors relaxing under the same night sky.

Practical Tips

The site is part of the Huaqing Pool complex, so you’ll need a ticket to enter the main area. Once inside, follow signs to the Imperial Baths Museum. Guided tours are available, but exploring alone lets you linger by Star Hot Spring’s edges. Beware: the water is scalding (over 40°C), so don’t try to touch it! Photo tips: Visit at sunset for golden-hour shots of the spring’s steam against the mountains.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Highlight

While most tourists flock to the Noble Concubine’s Pool, Star Hot Spring offers a quieter, more authentic experience. Peer into the ancient stone basin and notice the worn textures from centuries of use. For history buffs, this is a gem—a chance to see royal engineering up close, from drainage channels to the spring’s natural flow.

Soak in the Experience

Standing by Star Hot Spring, you can almost hear the whispers of Tang emperors. The air smells faintly of sulfur, and the ground hums with geothermal energy. Though you can’t bathe here anymore, the site’s simplicity and age-old charm make it a must-see. Pair it with a visit to the nearby hot spring baths (for modern soaking) to appreciate how little some things change!

Use keywords like Star Hot Spring, Huaqing Palace, Imperial Baths, and Xi’an hot springs to learn more. This spot blends history, nature, and royalty—a unique peek into China’s imperial past.