cultural shows of china
As a tourist in China, there is the opportunity to see a “cultural show” of some sort!
In Beijing, it is usually the Peking Opera. In Xi’an, it is probably a Tang Dynasty Show. In Shanghai, it is likely to be the acrobatic show. We saw all three and our favourite was none of these but instead an outdoor zen music performance by the Shaolin monks in Dengfeng.
Whether the shows are worth watching or not is really up to each individual. And for us, it was a case of “now we’ve done it – we know which one NOT to see again!”
So, what did we really think?
Beijing – Peking Opera
To watch a Peking Opera, one needs to keep an open mind (a really open mind)! The costumes are fascinating however that is probably where the fascination for us ended. The story lines (as there are about 3-4 mini plays in the overall show) are difficult to follow as the subtitles are on the wall alongside the stage (our eyeballs are not skilled enough to look at two different things in opposite directions). We mean no disrespect for this traditional cultural performance but the singing is high-pitched and whining and can be quite unbearable after a while.
Xi’an – Tang Dynasty Show
We were a little wary of seeing this show following the Peking Opera, however we were pleasantly surprised. Firstly, this show came with a buffet dinner. The buffet dinner had quite a fair bit of variety and the food was rather tasty. The show was colourful with beautiful costumes and stage settings. It was definitely engaging and entertaining. The instrumental performances were most enjoyable.
Shanghai – Acrobatic Show
This particular show didn’t allow photography, which was different to all the other shows we saw in China, but we could understand why. The acrobatics in this show were unbelievably fast and camera flash could have dire consequences if performers were distracted. Picture Cirque du Soleil but without the comedy and clowns – the performers somersault through hoops and balance plates on poles. There was even a magic show with audience participation which was amusing! The show was rather upbeat.
Dengfeng – Shaolin Zen Music
We have never seen a show that has blown us away as much as this performance did. It was set in a beautiful outdoor theatre with the billion-year-old mountain ranges behind it. There was music, there was kung fu, there were monks on zip lines re-enacting fight scenes across the mountains (imagine Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and there was a light show. The entire performance was mesmerising yet so calming.
Earlier in the day, we had witnessed a Shaolin Monk performance at the temple which was a true display of training and what the body is capable of doing. The discipline demonstrated by those trained here is just mind-boggling.
Our verdict:
We appreciated being introduced to the different cultural shows of China. But we won’t be rushing back to get tickets next time we are in China, especially not for the Peking Opera. Our favourite is, without question, the Shaolin Zen Music performance and is worth experiencing if you are ever in Dengfeng. Just be warned that in April – the night temperatures drop below zero degrees (Celsius) 🙂
wise monkeys abroad 
June 29, 2014 at 8:40 pm
BEAUTIFUL IMAGES…..BEAUTIFUL BLOG…SINCERELY ANDREA:))
June 29, 2014 at 8:51 pm
Hi Andrea – Thank you so much for your sweet words of support! And an even bigger thank you for following our blog! We are glad to have you join us and hope you visit often!! 🙂
June 29, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Glad that you like it that I have visited you.
Beautiful blessed day
Sincerely, Andrea
May 31, 2014 at 4:15 pm
It’s one of those things you do once only. Many years ago I was invited to a performance by a Chinese Opera company at a theatre in Darwin. I thought it was never going to end.
May 31, 2014 at 4:17 pm
HAHAAH – That’s what we were thinking as we sat through it! The Shaolin Zen Music show, on the other hand, was incredible and definitely worth seeing again 🙂
May 31, 2014 at 4:19 pm
If we ever go to China I will remember your advice.
May 30, 2014 at 10:39 am
I’ve only been to an Opera once and I left after the second intermission. NOT MY THING! The zen outdoor musical performance looks like it would have been fantastic. I love live entertainment.
May 30, 2014 at 11:25 am
Hahah – yes we witnessed many people doing that too! Smart move. But we ‘hung on’ & laugh at it now 🙂
May 30, 2014 at 3:20 am
I have only seen the Tang Dynasty Show as I am always only in Xi’an during my trips to China. It was pretty enjoyable there and my own parents even bought the DVD from the show 🙂
May 30, 2014 at 6:11 am
It is enjoyable! Is your wife’s family from Xi’an?
May 30, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Yes, her family is from Xi’an. The best part is that they live within the city center (inside the city walls) so everything can be reached by just walking few minutes 🙂
May 30, 2014 at 5:58 pm
Wow – that’s great location to be! The city walls are so cool 🙂
May 29, 2014 at 11:19 pm
I think if you managed to sit through and entire Chinese Opera, you can officially decline any other cultural show in all of Asia. That’s some staying power, and you are to be commended!
May 29, 2014 at 11:35 pm
Hahahahahah – we are not going to take that compliment lightly!!
Thanks Andrew, you have simply made our night 🙂 We did see lots of people walk out after the first act but we hung in there…..
May 29, 2014 at 11:42 pm
just how long is it? 3 hours? More? its not as if its fun like a bollywood film. In Tokyo you can get tickets for single acts 20-40 mins of Kabuki, which I don’t think would be as trying as Chinese Opera. That worked out well I thought. But a WHOLE Chinese Opera? Wowsers. As I said – real staying power!
May 29, 2014 at 11:46 pm
Don’t recall it was 3 hours – think we must’ve seen an abridged version which was long enough . It was probably about 90 minutes.
But yes, our ears were bleeding in parts! 😉