Location & How to Get There

Yang Guifei Pool sits inside the sprawling Huaqing Palace complex in Xi’an’s Lintong District. The address is straightforward: No. 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong, Shaanxi Province. To reach it, you’ll first arrive at Huaqing Pool Scenic Area (a major hub for buses from downtown Xi’an). From there, follow signs to the Huaqing Palace Loop Garden—it’s a short walk, and you’ll spot Yang Guifei Pool nestled near the palace’s southern wing.

If you’re coming by train, get off at Xi’an North Railway Station or Tang Paradise Station (on the metro). Taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi work well, but the scenic area also has direct tourist buses. For history buffs, combining this with a visit to the nearby Terracotta Army Museum makes sense—they’re about an hour apart by car.

Natural Scenery: Hot Springs & Mountain Charm

Yang Guifei Pool isn’t just a historic site—it’s also a window into Xi’an’s natural gifts. The pool is fed by hot springs that bubble up from Mount Lishan, keeping the water warm year-round. Even in winter, you’ll see steam rising, which adds a mystical vibe (and great photo ops!).

The surroundings are lush, with trees and flowers framing the pool. In spring, cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom nearby, while autumn paints the area in shades of red and gold. For a deeper nature fix, hike up Mount Lishan (just 20 minutes away) for bird’s-eye views of the palace and valleys. The mountain’s slopes are dotted with temples and pavilions, so you can mix culture with exercise.

Cultural Stories: Emperor’s Love & Tang Dynasty Glamour

This is where Yang Guifei, the legendary beauty of the Tang Dynasty, supposedly bathed. Emperor Xuanzong was so obsessed with her that he had this private pool built. Guides often joke, “He loved her so much, he even gifted her a personal hot spring!”

Inside the pool area, you’ll find statues and carvings that hint at their story. One highlight is the “Jade Ring Spring” legend: Yang accidentally dropped her jade ring into the pool, and when it was found, the spring’s water turned clearer—a sign of their love (or so the tale goes). Even if you’re not into history, the vivid sculptures and reenactments (check schedules!) make it engaging.

Practical Tips: Tickets, Hours, & Amenities

Yang Guifei Pool is part of the larger Huaqing Palace ticket (around 120 RMB/$17 as of 2023). Buy tickets online to skip lines. The pool is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, but aim for mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds.

On-site facilities include clean restrooms, souvenir shops, and a few snack stands selling local specialties like roujiamo (lamb burgers) and tangyuan (sweet rice balls). If you want a full meal, head to the palace’s main area for more options. English-friendly staff are rare, so download a translation app or bring a guidebook for tricky phrases.

Immersive Experience: What to Expect

Visiting Yang Guifei Pool feels like stepping into a Tang Dynasty soap opera. The pool itself is small but beautifully designed, with stone railings and intricate mosaics. Some tourists dip their hands in the water—yes, it’s really warm!—while others pose for photos against the backdrop of red walls and willow trees.

At night, the pool is softly lit, creating a romantic glow. If you’re lucky, you might catch a traditional music performance nearby. For a deeper dive, book a guided tour that explains how the hot springs were used in ancient royal rituals. Even solo travelers will enjoy wandering quietly—the mix of history, nature, and legend stays with you long after you leave.

Keywords: Yang Guifei Pool, Huaqing Palace, hot springs, Tang Dynasty, Xi’an, Mount Lishan, cultural stories, photography spots, day trip, historical romance.