Dinner Package & Dance Show -The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Ticket

If you’re visiting Xi’an and looking for an evening that combines history, culture, and entertainment, the Dinner Package & Dance Show—The Song of Everlasting Sorrow offers a compelling choice. This experience brings to life a legendary love story set against the backdrop of one of China’s most renowned imperial sites, Huaqing Palace, all while enjoying authentic local dishes and a mesmerizing performance.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it seamlessly blends storytelling, music, dance, and historic ambiance into a single night. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional dinner makes it feel like a complete culture. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the show is performed in Chinese, so those unfamiliar with the language might want to familiarize themselves with the story beforehand to fully appreciate the performance.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate cultural performances, historical settings, and delicious food — especially those who want a night out that’s both entertaining and educational. It’s also ideal for visitors with limited time in Xian who want a memorable way to learn about the Tang Dynasty love story that continues to resonate today.

Key Points

• Historic Setting: The show takes place at Huaqing Palace, a site linked to imperial love stories and Tang Dynasty history.
• Authentic Cuisine: The dinner includes traditional dishes like boiled fish, fried wild mushrooms, and steamed buns, offering genuine flavors.
• Cultural Performance: The 70-minute show features 10 scenes, blending music, dance, and storytelling, all set in a beautiful historic venue.
• Convenience: Mobile tickets and a roughly 2-hour experience make this a manageable, immersive option for an evening out.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of four travelers per booking, the experience feels intimate and personalized, though seat assignments are made at the theater.
• Timing: The show starts promptly at 8:10 pm, so arriving early is recommended for seating.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Setting: Huaqing Palace

Huaqing Palace isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s a site intertwined with Chinese legends, especially the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. The palace’s rocky terraces, hot springs, and gardens evoke an imperial aura, and the stage is set for an evening that feels both historic and romantic. Many reviewers mentioned that visiting the palace complex beforehand enhances the experience, giving you context and helping you grasp the significance of the story told on stage.

Dinner: Authentic Flavors in a Regal Atmosphere

Included in the ticket is a thoughtfully curated dinner featuring traditional Chinese dishes. Travelers have praised the quality of the food, noting dishes like boiled fish, fried wild mushrooms, and steamed buns as highlights. The meal isn’t just fuel—it’s part of the cultural journey, allowing you to taste flavors that evoke Tang Dynasty culinary traditions. The fact that the dinner is included makes the evening feel more seamless, removing the hassle of finding a meal afterward and allowing you to focus on the performance.

The Performance: “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow”

This musical recounts the poignant love story between Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved concubine, Yang Guifei—set amid political turmoil that contributed to the Tang Dynasty’s decline. The show lasts about 70 minutes, divided into 10 beautifully staged scenes. As one reviewer described, the performance is “spellbindingly beautiful and utterly unique.” The production is heavy on music and dance—around 95%—which means even if you don’t understand Chinese, you’ll find it captivating.

What Makes It Special?

Critics have raved about the visual effects and the storytelling through dance and music. The atmosphere in the ancient palace grounds, combined with the artistry on stage, transports you back in time. One reviewer noted that even without full comprehension of the language, the story remains accessible through the expressive performances and stunning visuals.

Practicalities: Timing and Group Size

The show starts sharply at 8:10 pm, with doors opening earlier for seating. The tour’s maximum size of four travelers ensures a personalized experience, though seat choices are assigned at the box office, which adds an element of surprise. The entire evening lasts around two hours—perfect for those who want a well-organized, immersive experience without it overrunning into late hours.

Additional Considerations

While this package includes dinner and a ticket, it does not cover guide services, transportation, or souvenirs. Travelers have mentioned that the tour is straightforward, but planning your transport to and from Huaqing Palace is recommended—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city. The tour also isn’t refundable or changeable, so make sure your plans are firm.

Authenticity and Reviews

Reviewers have described the show as “a dream” and “the most beautiful musical in the world,” emphasizing the stunning visual effects and the emotional power of the story. Several noted that reading up on the love story beforehand enhances appreciation, though many still found the performance powerful even without prior knowledge. One reviewer mentioned that attending the show inspired them to buy the soundtrack, illustrating its lasting impression.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who seek cultural richness combined with entertainment—especially history buffs, couples, or anyone interested in Tang Dynasty tales. If you love music, dance, and history wrapped into one evening, this show hits the mark. It’s also suitable for visitors with a limited schedule who want a memorable, immersive cultural activity.

However, if you prefer guided tours with detailed commentary or are traveling with very young children who might find the performance too long, it might be worth considering other options. Still, for the most part, this is a well-balanced cultural highlight that offers both entertainment and insight into Chinese heritage.

The Sum Up

This dinner and dance show at Huaqing Palace stands out as a unique way to experience Xi’an’s history through its legendary love story. The combination of authentic regional cuisine, a beautifully staged performance, and the historic setting creates an atmosphere that feels both special and meaningful. The intimate group size and the quality of the storytelling make it a memorable evening—one that leaves many visitors feeling enchanted.

For travelers who love history, culture, and vibrant performances, this tour offers a fantastic value. It’s particularly suited for those eager to learn about one of China’s most famous love stories in an elegant, historic environment. While language barriers might be a consideration for some, the visual storytelling and stunning effects ensure that the magic isn’t lost in translation.

If you’re in Xi’an and want an experience that’s both atmospheric and culturally enriching, this show is an excellent choice—balancing history, art, and gastronomy into a memorable night out.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for non-Chinese speakers?
Yes, even if you don’t understand Chinese, the visual effects, dance, music, and stage craftsmanship make the story accessible and emotionally engaging.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the dinner with authentic dishes like boiled fish and steamed buns, plus access to the 70-minute dance show.

How long does the experience last?
The entire event runs for about 2 hours, starting with dinner around 6:40 pm and the performance at 8:10 pm.

Do I need to arrange my transportation?
Yes, transportation to and from Huaqing Palace isn’t included. Planning ahead for how you’ll get there is recommended, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Xi’an.

Can I choose my seats?
Seats are assigned by the theater box office on the day of the performance, so the exact seating arrangement isn’t known beforehand.

Is this a good activity for families?
It’s generally suitable for travelers of most ages, but keep in mind the performance lasts about 70 minutes and contains expressive dance and music, which might not appeal to very young children.

In summary, this tour offers a compelling blend of history, culture, and entertainment, perfect for those eager to experience the beauty of Xi’an’s Tang Dynasty through a captivating story and authentic cuisine. It’s an evening worth considering for a well-rounded cultural glimpse that leaves a lasting impression.