Despite having only been around for less than 200-year, Peking Opera is a quintessential part of Beijing’s culture and was declared an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ by UNESCO in 2010.
Many travelers to the capital consider a trip to a Peking Opera house as an important box to tick on their list of tourist activities.
The unique mix of dancing, music, art and literature you’ll find at one of Beijing’s many theaters may not be for everyone, but it is still an experience worth having.
We picked a few of the city’s best spots to peak in on a Peking Opera performance.
Liyuan Theatre
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Situated in Qianmen Hotel, Liyuan Theatre is one of the most famous Peking Opera venues Beijing. It has a traditional performance stage with tables to enjoy tea and snacks at during the show, as well as regular seating – the theatre fits up to 1,000 spectators!
Before the show, visitors even have the option to check out the dressing room and see the performer’s make-up process firsthand.
The theatre also has English subtitles to help you follow along during the hour and a half long performance.
Shows daily at 7.30pm
RMB280-680
Liyuan Theatre, Qianmen Hotel, No.175 Yong'an Lu, Xuanwu
Zhengyici Theatre
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Zheng Yici Theatre is the oldest Peking Opera theatre and one of the oldest wooden structures in Beijing. It is known as the ‘living fossil of the Chinese opera house.’ The more than 300-year-old theatre predates the creating of Peking Opera, but it has become one of the most popular destinations for performances of this colorful craft.
The well-preserved building has hosted many of the most famous Peking Opera performers and Grandmasters.
It fits 200 guests in its bilevel seating area in which spectators enjoy tea and fruit during the typically hour and a half long show. However, this cozier seating arrangement make Zhengyici Theatre one of the most expensive options in the city.
Show times vary
RMB580/RMB1280
Zhengyici Theatre, No.220 Xiheyan Dajie, Xuanwu
Huguang Guild Hall
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Built in 1807, Huguang Guild Hall was a center of political and social life during the Late Qing Dynasty. In addition to the theatre, the complex has a temple and a small museum featuring exhibits on the history of Peking Opera.
The venue was fully renovated in 1996 and has a comfortable arrangement of square tables neatly placed in the two-story auditorium.
This renowned theatre hosts many of the most prominent performers of Peking Opera and is one of the most beautifully decorated venues in the city.
Shows daily 6.30pm
RMB200/280/380
Huguang Guild Hall, No.3 Hufangqiao Lu, Xuanwu
[Cover image via privatetours.com]
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