Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Now we are in the famous imperial park- Huaqing Hot spring. It is located at the foot of Mt. Lishan, about 35 kilometers east of Xi’an. Because it was a natural hot spring, it became a very famous scenic spot. Ahead of us is the Mt. Lishan, a branch of Qinling range.
It is covered with pines and cypresses and looks very much like a dark green galloping horse from a long distance. In ancient China, a black horse was called “Li”, and this is how it got its name- Li shan mountain. Have you noticed the little tower on the top of this hill? This is the famous Remains of a beacon tower from the western Zhou dynasty over 3000 years ago. There are two famous sayings related with it: “a single smile costs 1000 pieces of gold” and “the sovereign rulers are fooled by the beacon fire”.
Well, let’s come back to the Huaqing Hot spring. Historically, during the western Zhou Dynasty, a stone pool was built and was given the name of Li shan tang. The site was enlarged into a bigger palace during the Han Dynasty, and was renamed Li Palace. During the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong had a walled palace built around the Li Hill.
It was known as Huaqing Place. As we know, the Huaqing Hall was destroyed at the end of the Tang dynasty, and what is open to the public today, was rebuilt afterwards according to the Tang dynasty style on the original site. You see all the construction here was rebuilt in 1959, so it looks new. Entering from the west gate ,we see the nine dragon pool.In front of it is the frost flying hall. In Tang dynasty , emperor Xuan Zong and his favorite concubine lady Yang used to make their home here since it was cold in the capital Chang’an .
It was said that the steam went straight up, when it met the cold air, it turned into frost. Then you can see the frost flying in the wind very beautiful. Therefore, it got its name---the frost flying Hall. Now let’s look at the second part－Huaqing Imperial pool museum which was discovered in April, 1982. As you see, the ruins of the 5 imperial pools are the Crabapple pool, the Lotus flower Pool, the Shang Shi Pool the Crown Prince Pool and the Star Pool. The Crabapple Pool was the private bathing pool for lady Yang herself. And the lotus flower pool was the private bathing pool for emperor XuanZong himself.
Shangshi Pool, was the public bathing pool for the high ranking officials in the court. As for the Star Pool, it was said that emperor Tai zong, liked to bath here very much. The spring water contains lots of minerals, which makes it suitable for bathing and is helpful for curing some diseases. So people all like it very much and maybe this is the reason why many rulers chose this place as a capital in winters Huaqing Hot Spring is not only famous for its ancient history, but also for its modern history.
Now please follow me to the five-room hall where the Xi’an Incident took place. The Xi’an incident happened on December 12, 1936, the two great generals, Zhang xueliang and Yang hucheng, took armed remonstrance to force jiang jieshi , China Nationalist’s leader,to fight against the Japanese invaders when China was in danger. This is the famous Xi’an incidents.In the third room Hall, you can also see some pictures and the contemporary newspapers ,they well described the details about the Xi’an Incident. Please look at that pavilion halfway up Li Hill. That was built by one of Chiang’s favorite generals in order to commemorate this incident. Originally, this pavilion was named Justice Pavilion. After 1949, it was renamed Catching-Chiang Pavilion. Now it has the name “the Remonstration Pavilion”.
Iron chains and rings are available all the way up to the crevice east of the pavilion by which visitors can climb up and take a look at his shelter. After visiting the five room hall, here we are in the Pear garden. This is the birthplace of Chinese operas. Over 1300 years ago, emperor xuanzong-the great musician and Lady Yang---the great dancer established Jiao Fang---the imperial music and dance school right here.
They not only taught the boys and girls music and dance , butalso composed music and practiced dances by themselves. It’s so beautiful and elegant that even today it’s still popular for young and old, men and women. Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang were greatly devoted to Chinese music and dance.Tonight, you will enjoy some music and dances they created at that time---the
recreated Tang Dynasty Show. I’m sure you will enjoy urself very much. Ok, ladies and gentlemen. So much for the Huaqing Hot spring Palace.
Next, it’s your time.you can walk around and take some pictures. Enjoy yourself and watch the step please. Thank you for listening.