Experience the vibrant essence of Sichuan culture at the Furong Guocui Sichuan Opera House (芙蓉国粹川剧院)! Located in Chengdu’s bustling heart, this captivating show offers an 80-minute journey through the rich artistry of Sichuan opera. Combining traditional techniques like face-changing, puppet performances, and water sleeve dancing with creative modern twists, this performance is perfect for culture enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.
Performance Details
- Venue: Sichuan Provincial Sichuan Opera Theater
- Location: Conveniently accessible via:
- Metro: Around 500 meters from Jinjiang Hotel Station (Exit C2) (锦江宾馆站)
- Bus: Around 250 meters from Dayelu Bus Stop (大业路站)
- Nearby Landmarks: About 2-3 km from Chunxi Road, making it easy to reach by car or taxi.
- Showtimes:
- High season: Two daily performances at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM
- Duration: Approximately 80 minutes
- Ticket Prices:
- A-Tier: 180 RMB per person
- B-Tier: 130 RMB per person
- C-Tier: 80 RMB per person
(Ticket includes a complimentary bowl of authentic Chengdu-style tea.)
- Booking Tips:
- It’s recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.
- If the desired time slot is available during booking, no additional reservation is required.
- Seats are assigned randomly, and tickets need to be exchanged for admission at the theater entrance before the show.
What to Expect in Furong Guocui Sichuan Opera House
- Face-Changing and Fire Breathing
- The hallmark of Sichuan opera, the face-changing act lasts over ten minutes, featuring six to seven performers seamlessly changing masks with incredible speed.
- Highlights include fun elements like panda and cartoon-themed masks, adding charm and humor to the act.
- Interactive moments with the audience make this segment even more engaging.
- Water Sleeve Dance
- A visually stunning performance showcasing the elegance of traditional Chinese opera.
- The flowing sleeves create mesmerizing movements that highlight the performers’ grace and precision.
- Classic Sichuan Opera Scenes
- Red Plum Pavilion: A heartfelt romantic performance that captivates with its emotional depth.
- Three Heroes Fighting Lü Bu: A dynamic piece featuring martial arts-inspired choreography, although the lack of intense action might feel slightly subdued.
- Comedy and Acrobatics
- Rolling Lantern (Pijin Gun Deng): A comedic act where a performer balances an oil lamp, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience.
- Market-style acrobatics and storytelling reveal the incredible skills of the performers, making for a lively and engaging spectacle.
- Shadow Puppetry and Hand Shadows
- While the hand shadow performance may seem basic at first, moments like the owl’s appearance earn audible gasps of delight from the crowd.
- A suggestion: Incorporating Sichuan’s famed shadow puppetry could elevate this segment even further.
- Puppetry and Instrumentals
- The show features a mix of rod puppets and live instrumental performances, adding depth and diversity to the evening.
Pre-Show Perks and Extras
Bowl Tea Experience: After exchanging your ticket, enjoy a complimentary bowl of Chengdu’s iconic tea at the tea house next to the theater. It’s a relaxing way to soak up the local atmosphere while waiting for the performance to start.
Artisan Souvenirs: At the entrance, you’ll find vendors selling unique cultural products like handmade fridge magnets and trinkets. These make for excellent keepsakes or gifts – 4 magnets for just 40 RMB!