A Tang dynasty story staged on the water at Huaqing Palace, with the Li Mountains behind the stage.
About 70 minutes with no interval, combining music, lighting, water screens and projections on the mountain.
Common start times are 18:30, 19:55, 21:20 and 22:45. The number of shows each day changes with season and demand, so check the day before you travel.
At a glance
Changhenge (The Song of Everlasting Sorrow) is the open-air night show at Huaqing Palace in Xi’an, staged on Jiulong Lake with the Li Mountains as its backdrop.
The show tells the Tang dynasty story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei in nine continuous acts. It runs about 70 minutes with no interval, and the staging uses the lake, lighting, water screens and projections on the mountain rather than a conventional theatre set.
This is an independent ticket guide, not the official box office. Times, prices and on-site arrangements below are compiled from public sources for planning only; the venue and official channels have the final word on the day.
Venue
Jiulong Lake open-air theatre, Huaqing Palace, 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong, Xi’an
Running time
About 70 minutes, nine acts, no interval
Usual start times
18:30 / 19:55 / 21:20 / 22:45, changing with season and demand
Booking
Book around ten days ahead; earlier in peak season and on public holidays
Tickets
Show ticket only for the evening; the palace admission ticket is separate
Entry
Name-checked guest by guest — bring the original ID document for everyone
Showtimes
The number of shows each day shifts with season and demand. These are the usual slots and what each one is like.
18:30
Good if you need an early return, travel with children, or have a tight schedule.
19:55
Good if you want the lighting at its best and can allow extra time at the gate.
21:20
Good if you do not mind a late return and prefer a smaller crowd.
22:45
Good if you have a car, plan a taxi, or are staying in Lintong.
Tickets
Prices are compiled from published show listings. Large figures are current promotional prices; struck-through figures are list prices. Promotions change, so check the booking page. Zones only — individual seats cannot be chosen.
Promo price List price ¥409
Earlier shows cost more in the same zone; the 18:30 show tends to sell out first.
Promo price List price ¥339
A middle option between Central and the outer blocks.
Promo price List price ¥299
If an unobstructed view matters, A is the safer side zone.
List price · no current promotion
VIP A ¥988 / VIP B ¥888 / VIP C ¥588; the card shows the VIP C entry price.
From the stage
Stills from the production. Tap any image to view it full screen; arrow keys and swiping move between them.
Trip planning
Short, evergreen notes for planning a visit. Times and prices are listed on the showtimes and booking pages.
#BookingReserve roughly ten days in advance. In peak season and on public holidays, book earlier to hold the zone you want.
#EntryEntry is checked guest by guest. Mainland ID holders scan the original card; passport and Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan document holders collect paper seat vouchers at the ticket office.
#SeatingBookings select a zone only. The system assigns seats, one order may be split, and seats cannot be changed once issued.
#TicketsA daytime visit to Huaqing Palace needs an admission ticket. The evening show needs only a show ticket. They are sold separately.
#Getting backMetro Line 9 has stopped by the time the late shows end. Arrange a taxi or your own car in advance.
#On-site rulesFilming, drones, smoking, large luggage and folding chairs are not allowed. Flat shoes are recommended, and the show runs about 70 minutes without an interval.
Pick a date and come see it
Zones and prices are listed below — choose a show that fits your itinerary
Central ¥359 from · East/West A ¥289 from · VIP C ¥588
Service hours 08:00–22:00 Beijing time (UTC+8). Outside these hours a reply may take longer.
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