Opera House Chengdu, Sichuan, China

5Gina J 5:00 PM Jan 6, 2020

Brilliant Traditional Opera Show
We saw the show back in May. This is a traditional Sichuan show which as others have correctly noted is more of a variety show and not what those of west might expect of by way of an "opera". This is a traditional opera show with face changer, hand shadow, Chinese opera, music etc. We got vip tickets and had the neck massage beforehand but you can also get your ears cleaned which is fun to do when in Chengdu. The hand shadow performer was absolutely breathtaking and the opera singers were also amazing. We have such respect from the Opera singers and the costumes after getting dressed up ourselves. Cannot fault the staff who were totally excellent and helpful and offered a table service of green tea and snacks. Well worth a visit and we would happily watch the show again next time we are in Chengdu as it is such a fun thing to see.

5mlanca 5:00 PM Mar 28, 2017

You don't have to book a tour!
I did it on my own. It was pretty easy. Around 11:00 this morning I took the subway to Tonghuimen Station and got out at Exit A (toward Qintai Road). I made a "U-turn" upon reaching the top of the escalator and walked in the direction away from the other subway entrances. Then I turned left and went through the big traditional archway that marks the beginning of beautiful Qintai Road. After walking for a couple of minutes I spotted a sign for ticket sales for the Shu Feng Ya Yun Opera House. I went inside a shop that sells fancy traditional Chinese clothing, and the lady there spoke English and showed me a seating map with the four different tiers: 140 RMB, 180 RMB, 240 RMB and 320 RMB. I requested a seat in the center front row of the 180 RMB area, which I think was actually better than the 240 RMB seats because it was located on a platform so I could see over people's heads. (The 240 RMB section was on the same level as the VIP seats, so visibility might have been limited. Those seats are also in groups around a table, while mine was more of a movie theater-style row with a shelf in front for tea and sunflower seeds.) She said I could choose any seat in that bracket...so I guess most people book day-of, and later in the afternoon...? Because it ended up being nearly a full house (this was on a Wednesday). It took place from 8:00 to 9:30 in a semi-outdoor venue inside the Culture Park across the street from where I bought the ticket. (The top was covered, so it would be OK in the rain...but dress warmly.) They gave everyone free tea and kept coming around to refill the hot water--remove the lid to signal that you are ready for a refill. The atmosphere was casual and lively and the show was impressive and entertaining. I agree with others who said that the face-changing act at the end was a highlight. Some of the performances could have been a little shorter, and of course I couldn't understand what anyone was saying. But I still had a lot of fun and got a feel for traditional Chinese theater. And at the end, I just hopped right on the subway and went back to my hotel! No need to wait around for a tour group.