Liyuan Theatre
Xicheng District, Beijing, Northern China, 100052
This theater inside the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel in the Xuanwu District—an area famous for being the birthplace of Peking Opera—has been hosting this traditional performing art since 1990. Performances here offer a classic introduction to Peking Opera, with elements of Beijing culture, kung fu, and even humor featuring prominently.
The basics
Peking Opera performances at the Liyuan Theatre take place in four parts and include traditional music, elaborate costumes, theatrical makeup, and colorful masks. Performances typically last just over an hour. Visitors can choose between a basic ticket to a performance, or upgrade their experience to include roundtrip hotel transfer or a Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant.
Things to know before you go
- A performance at the Liyuan Theatre is an excellent introduction to Beijing opera.
- Book your tickets ahead of time to ensure you get a seat.
- Music during the performance is often quite loud; bring ear plugs if you’re sensitive to loud noises.
How to get there
The theater is inside the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel south of Tiananmen Square. To reach the theater by public transport, take Subway Line 7 and alight at Hufangqiao Station.
When to get there
The best time to visit the theater is during one of its performances, which are typically staged in the evening. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to find your seat and get situated.
Color Symbolism in Chinese Opera
Pay attention to the color of the masks you see onstage during a Peking opera performance, as these provide cues to the nature of the characters. Red indicates sincerity, black directness, white cunning, blue bravery, yellow viciousness, purple honesty, green strength, pink weakness, and gold or silver holiness.
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