Liyuan Theatre, jointly established by Beijing Qianmen Hotel and Beijing Peking Opera Theater in October 1990, is Beijing's first tea-house-style theater.
It has been awarded the "Best Evening Entertainment Venue" title in the Beijing Tourism Forbidden City Cup for seven consecutive years.
Here, audiences can savor traditional snacks and premium Chinese tea while enjoying captivating performances by Peking Opera artists—an unforgettable experience. The theater also features an exhibition hall and gift shop, where visitors can explore the history of Peking Opera, view portraits of renowned performers, and purchase opera costumes, masks, musical instruments, calligraphy, paintings, and audio-visual souvenirs. For those interested, dressing up in traditional attire, having their faces painted with opera masks, and taking photos make for a delightful memory.
Liyuan Theatre stages classic Peking Opera performances year-round, with celebrated excerpts such as The Crossroads, Farewell My Concubine, The Heavenly Maiden Scatters Flowers, Gifting the Pearl at Rainbow Bridge, Eighteen Arhats Battle the Monkey King, Picking Up the Jade Bracelet, and Stealing the Silver Treasury. Shows run from 7:30 PM to 8:40 PM nightly.
Since its opening, Liyuan Theatre has hosted over 1.7 million guests, including dozens of world leaders such as South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, former Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, Estonian President Lennart Meri, and Belgian Senate President Frank Swaelen, all of whom came to witness the splendor of Peking Opera.
Every performance features meticulously selected highlights of the art form. Seated at traditional Chinese octagonal tables, sipping tea and snacking on local delicacies while watching the interplay of Sheng (male), Dan (female), Jing (painted face), and Chou (clown) roles—each with their singing, dialogue, acting, and acrobatics—you'll immerse yourself in an extraordinary cultural experience. Before the show, visitors may even observe the actors applying their intricate makeup, a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes.
To enhance accessibility, the theater provides real-time translation services in English, Japanese, and French. Don't miss the chance to browse the Peking Opera history exhibit, admire photos of legendary artists, or dress in full costume for a one-of-a-kind souvenir photo!
PEKING OPERA PERFORMANCE
TIME:7:30 PM-8:40 PM
① The show lasts about an hour and contains two or three extracts from classic operas.
② The show involves traditional singing, dancing, fighting, acrobatic actions, and stunningly vivid costumes and face painting.
③ During the show, there are English subtitles on both sides of the stage.
"The show will take place at Liyuan Theater in Beijing."
The performance will be held at Liyuan Theater in Beijing.
Upon confirmation of your order, we will provide the theater's detailed address and ticket pickup details.
Please note that transportation to and from the venue is at the guest's own arrangement.
"Capturing Peking Opera: Performance Gallery"
"Renowned Peking Opera Dan Role Performer"
