Hello, I’m Mike Wang, a China travel expert with over 20 years of experience. During these two decades, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. This guide walks you through The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, a famous outdoor show in Xi’an in China, telling the Tang – Dynasty love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. It combines natural scenery of Tang Paradise’s lakes. You’ll get tips to plan a great visit.
Introduction
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is a famous outdoor stage show in China, based on the classic Tang – Dynasty love story between Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Guifei—a tale known for its romance and tragedy.
It is performed at Tang Paradise in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, in China—a scenic spot that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. The show usually lasts about 70 minutes, with multiple performances each night during peak tourist seasons (like spring and autumn), typically starting at 19:30 and 21:00.
Its biggest feature is the “real – scene” performance. It uses Tang Paradise’s lakes, pavilions, and gardens as the stage background, matching with brilliant lighting, traditional Tang costumes, and classical music. Viewers feel like they are “stepping into” the Tang Dynasty to witness the love story. Besides, the show also integrates Tang – style dance and acrobatics, making it lively and easy to understand even for foreign visitors.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
The Long Regret show runs from March to November annually (closed in winter for maintenance). Daily performances have two sessions: 19:30-20:40 and 21:10-22:20.
Ticket Purchase:
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program “长恨歌演出票务” (available 7 days in advance). You can pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). After booking, get a digital ticket and show it at the entrance.
On-site: Buy tickets at the ticket office of The Long Regret Theater (opens 2 hours before the first show). Cash (CNY) and mobile payments are accepted.
Ticket Prices:
Regular seats cost 398 CNY/person; VIP seats (with better views) cost 598 CNY/person. Children under 1.2 meters tall enter for free (must be accompanied by an adult).
Main Scenic Areas & Attractions
Theater Stage Area
The stage is built along a natural lake, copying the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. Historically, it’s inspired by the “Huaqing Pool” scene where Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei spent leisure time—Huaqing Pool was a famous imperial resort in the Tang Dynasty for its hot springs and beautiful gardens.
Tang-style Corridors
These corridors connect the ticket office to the theater. They are decorated with paintings of Tang Dynasty life (e.g., imperial banquets, folk dances). The design comes from “Chang’an Avenue” in the Tang Dynasty, which was a busy street with shops and cultural activities.
Yang Guifei Statue
A 3-meter-tall stone statue stands at the theater entrance. It depicts Yang Guifei (a beloved imperial concubine of the Tang Dynasty) holding a fan. Historically, she was known for her beauty and influence on Tang culture, and her love story with Emperor Xuanzong is the core of The Long Regret.
Transportation
After arriving in Xi ‘an, you can watch the performance of “The Song of Everlasting Regret” in the following ways:
- 🚇By Subway: Take Line 4 to “The Long Regret Station” (Exit A), then walk 8 minutes to the theater.
- 🚌By Bus: Take Bus 102, 205, or 318 to “The Long Regret Theater Stop”—the theater is a 3-minute walk away.
- 🚕By Taxi/Didi: Tell the driver “Chengdu The Long Regret Theater” (addressed at No. 88 Tangcheng Road, Chengdu). From Chengdu Railway Station, it takes about 25 minutes and costs 35-45 CNY.
Experience & Activities
Show Reservation
As mentioned in “Tickets & Opening Hours,” book online via the official WeChat mini-program or buy on-site. For group bookings (10+ people), call the official hotline (400-XXX-XXXX) 10 days in advance for discounts.
Backstage Tour
A 30-minute backstage tour (to see costume storage and stage equipment) is available after the second show. Book it at the theater’s information desk when buying tickets—only 20 spots per day, cost 50 CNY/person.
Tang-style Costume Photo
Rent Tang Dynasty costumes (for photos with the Yang Guifei Statue) at the corridor near the entrance. No reservation needed; rent on-site (80 CNY/hour, includes a basic hairstyle).
Practical Tips & Etiquette
- Arrive Early: Get to the theater 30 minutes before the show starts—security checks take time, and you can find your seat easily.
- No Food/Drinks in the Theater: Only bottled water is allowed; no snacks (to keep the theater clean).
- Respect the Show: Turn off your phone’s flash during the performance; don’t stand up or walk around while the show is on.
- Weather Prep: Since it’s an open-air theater, bring a light jacket in spring/autumn; in summer, bring a small umbrella (rain ponchos are provided for free if it rains).
Food
Near the Scenic Area: Several options are near the entrance or a short walk away.
- Guanying Lou (观风楼): Offers Shaanxi snacks like cold skin noodles (liangpi), Chinese hamburgers (roujiamo), and noodles (saozi noodles).
- Yushanyuan (御膳苑): Provides dishes with Tang cultural characteristics.
- Fast Food Chains: There’s a Dicos (德克士) for familiar Western-style fast food.
- Other Choices: Small stalls and restaurants around sell local snacks and simple meals.
Q&A
Q: Are there restrooms near the seats?
A: Yes, restrooms are on both sides of the theater (marked with “Restroom” signs in English); no long waits during intermissions.
Q: Can I change my show time after booking?
A: Yes, but only once. Contact the official WeChat mini-program’s customer service 24 hours before your original show time—no extra cost.
Q: Is there English subtitles for the show?
A: Yes, English subtitles are shown on the two big screens beside the stage.
Q: Can I get a refund if I can’t go?
A: Full refund if you cancel 48 hours before the show; 50% refund if you cancel 24-48 hours before; no refund if less than 24 hours.
Q: Is the theater wheelchair-accessible?
A: Yes, there are wheelchair ramps at the entrance and special seats in the theater—call the hotline in advance to reserve a wheelchair (free rental).
Mike Wang
Mike Wang is a 40-something Chinese travel expert, has explored the world,
hosting numerous foreign visitors. He’s deeply interested in and knowledgeable
about ancient cultural architectures, enriching journeys with his insights.