China · CHINESE OPERA & CULTURAL SHOWS
Good chinese opera & cultural shows fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Watch Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan opera in Chengdu Culture Park, with tea, snacks, and bian lian face changing, plus VIP options like massage.
“Amazing face changing but annoying having people walking around all the time”
Shanghai Royal Banquet with palace-style Chinese food and live traditional music and dance, plus optional Ming costume and makeup.
“The performances where amazing along with different cultural dishes definitely one to try in Shanghai”
See Sichuan opera in Chengdu at Shu Feng Ya Yun, with tea, snacks, and face changing, plus optional costume dressing and add-ons.
“Una absoluta turistada similar a cualquier espectáculo nocturno en un hotel de medio pelo.”
Chengdu Sichuan Opera at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse with reserved seats, tea service, and face changing plus fire spitting in 90 minutes.
“Since we live in Chengdu, whenever we have visitors, we take them here. It's an outdoor venue, but it is covered and during the winter they have mini fireplaces. I would recommend getting there early to go backstage and get made up in costume and meet the cast. Beware they will try to upsell you when you arrive or at your seat...ear cleaning, massage, etc. But definitely a must do in the 'Du!”
Watch Peking Opera at Beijing’s Liyuan Theatre with English subtitles and an English guide, plus easy ticket exchange at Jianguo Hotel Qianmen.
“Pas indispensable ! Le spectacle est long, scènes répétitives, pas de rythme, chant faux .. Malheureusement nous n’avons apprécié Le théâtre se trouve dans un hôtel pour info”
One-hour Beijing Opera show at Liyuan Theatre in Qianmen, with pre-show makeup, snacks and tea options, and English subtitles.
“I buy 2 tickets in front. Very nice view, but a little expensive for what he offers. The show was very good. I appreciate the translation in English. You better take the tickets in green zone. Almost the same like in blue zone, but much cheaper. For me and my son it was a nice experience. The show it is made for European people ☺️”
Royal dining in a preserved courtyard near the Forbidden City, paired with a cultural performance that follows each dish’s story.
“spettacolo molto bello al netto che era tutto in cinese e quindi incomprensibile. ho dato 4 stelle perché il cibo non era granché e soprattutto non sanno spiegarti cosa mangerai. detto cio esperienza molto molto bella”
VIP seats for Beijing Peking Opera at Liyuan Theatre, plus hotel pickup, snacks, e-tickets, and a private car transfer included.
“Fantastic Peking Opera performance. Stage actors were acrobatic and costumes outstanding. Two different stories, and the first one was a classic Chinese story. Ask for Cathy as your guide. She is bubbly and energetic. Made the night memorable.”
Watch Sichuan opera at Shu Feng Ya Yun teahouse in Chengdu, with tea, snacks, face-changing, and flexible seating from VIP to Standard.
“highly enjoyed. staff so helpful and friendly. loved tje variety of the opera”
One-hour Peking Opera at Liyuan Theatre in Beijing. Smart prebooking, paper tickets by WhatsApp, great for kids and adults.
“A great opportunity to experience unique Chinese culture. Very colourful, unique, and entertaining. Definitely recommended if you visit Beijing. Li was very nice and helpful providing all guidance on the venue and travel routes. Thank you!”
Watch Sichuan opera at Shufeng Ya Yun in Chengdu Culture Park, with face changing, tea and snacks, plus possible massage add-ons.
“A great Chinese experience. This was a highlight of our visit to Chengdu. Would recommend this and the local tour operator.”
Chengdu Sichuan Opera at ShufengYayun, gaiwan lidded bowl tea, face-changing and fire-breathing, plus optional massage or costume try-on.
“it was really fun with great interactive segments. Sichuan opera is a traditional Chinese performance, and the actors' skills were brilliantly displayed through their rapidly changing facial expressions. Face-changing, fire breathing, and sipping tea while experiencing Chengdu life—highly recommended!”
Sichuan opera night at Shu Feng Ya Yun, Chengdu. Tea included, Bian Lian face-changing, hand shadow, about 90 minutes. Pickup options.
“Great show showcasing the various Sichuan performance genres including opera, hand shadows, face-changing etc. a local guide (Daisy) met us at the theater with tickets and bottles of water. Daisy accompanied us to our seats and made sure our needs were met prior to the show.”
See authentic Peking Opera at Beijing’s Liyuan Theatre with seat choices, English PDF notes, and optional roast duck dinner.
“interessatante ne vale la pena se vuoi immergerti a 360 gradi nella cultura cinese”
Chengdu’s Liyuan Theater blends Sichuan opera, face-changing, fire-breathing, and tea-house folk arts in about 70 minutes for $19.
“Bellissimo spettacolo. Fuori di testa farlo pagare 121 €! È sufficiente andare 1 ora prima al teatro Liyuan e il biglietto per le prime file si paga euro 10”
Pick a landmark, a landscape or a meal, and start the trip there.
