Speaking of the Peking Opera, a few keywords come to mind for most Chinese such as national quintessence, traditional culture, dazzling costumes and makeup. Some may even be able to hum a few lines or talk about their favourite artists, but for most people, it remains a classic art form that stays distant from everyday life.
However, only a century ago, the Peking Opera was no less popular than today’s pop music, while the artists were welcomed and loved by a large number of fans who were willing to spend a fortune for a ticket to their performances.
Despite its great charm, the opera gradually declined and retreated from the daily lives of most Chinese for many years. However, the artists never stopped trying to return it to its former glory.
Perhaps Peking Opera is the most original expression of local culture. A multidimensional art, Peking opera blends singing, music, dancing and acrobatics. Performers wear elaborate costumes and makeup that identify their roles from peasant to emperor, and character traits from selfless to selfish. The singers are accompanied by orchestras made up of traditional Chinese instruments, including two-stringed fiddles, the Erhu and Jinghu, Lutes, Drums and Gongs. Plotlines are based on famous myths, well-known stories and historical events.
Theatre:
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and colloquially described as The Giant Egg, is an arts centre containing an opera house in Beijing. It is the largest theatre complex in Asia. The main building contains three performing venues: the Opera House, the Concert Hall, and the Theater. In addition, the centre has underwater corridors, an underground garage, an artificial lake and the green space. Now it is believed to be the deepest architecture in Beijing with the deepest point being -106.6 feet (-32.5 meters), equivalent to the height of a 10-floor building. The National Centre for the Performing Arts presents a sharp contrast to its surroundings with its oval exterior, making it very eye-catching.
Symphonies, dance shows, ballets, dramas, operas and other kinds of performances are frequently staged in the National Centre of the Performing Arts. If time is allowed, you can enjoy any shows that you like. The NCPA visiting tour includes art exhibitions, thematic activities, as well as facilities. You will both appreciate the magnificent architectural style and enjoy the profound art environment of thematic exhibitions here.
Mei Lanfang Theatre:
As one of the best opera theatres in Beijing, Mei Lanfang Theatre is named by the outstanding opera master—Mei Lanfang (1894~1961). The whole building has mixed the traditional opera theatre and modern construction style perfectly, having a 1008-audience's capacity. The audience seats are distributed on four floors so that everyone could have a good viewing on the performance.
Beijing Kungfu Show:
Kung fu, or Wushu, has meaning beyond the world of martial arts. It's one of the reasons to yearn for the life of a swordsman, and a symbol of national strength in the days of the war.
Perhaps, international communities have learned about kung fu mostly from action films starring Bruce Lee.
Chinese kung fu, also known as wushu or Chinese martial arts, is one of the most well-known examples of traditional Chinese culture.
Red Theatre:
The Kung Fu show in Red Theater Beijing is a live Chinese martial art performance demonstrating eye-popping stunts and special effects. It vividly depicts a story about a young monk who became a Kung Fu master after overcame a lot of difficulties.
At first, a little boy left his mother bitterly and headed for the Shaolin Temple to learn Kung Fu. Then he was found wandering outside the temple. An old monk adopted him and taught him various schools of martial arts. Soon he grasped a lot of skills, including fly kicks, leaps, snake boxing, monkey boxing, tiger boxing, and drunk boxing. However, there are always thorns on one’s way of development. The little monk has encountered difficulties, desires, and temptations, but he finally managed to conquer all of them and gained enlightenment.
The show is presented in seven acts, consisting of dances, Kung Fu stunts, daredevil tricks and contortionism performed by young practitioners of Chinese Kung Fu. Book a Shaolin Kung Fu show ticket of Red Theater Beijing to prepare for an eye feast.
Address：44 Xing Fu Da Jie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Entrance Fee & Opening/Performance Hours
| Opening Hours | 17:30 - 21:00 |
| Performance Timetable | 19:30 - 20:50 |
| Entrance Fee |
Red VIP 880 CNY Orange 480 CNY Pink 380 CNY Green 280 CNY |
How to get to Red Theatre
Option 1: Take bus 6, 8, 34, 35, 36, 41, 54, 60, 72, 116, 957, or 958 to Beijing Gymnasium Station.
Option 2: Take Subway Line 7 to Guangqumennei Station. Use Exit D and walk westward for about 500 meters (550 yards). Then turn south and walk about 1km (0.6 miles) to the Red Theatre.
