Xi'an is rich in cultural heritage, offering countless performances! These can be broadly classified into historical and cultural types, folk customs types, live-action performing arts types, and more.
Different groups of visitors have varying preferences. For instance, those who appreciate history and culture may opt for performances with deeper cultural connotations, while families traveling with children might prefer shows that emphasize interactivity.
Typically, visitors to Xi'an watch 2 to 3 performances. As a local tour guide, I have received feedback from numerous visitors regarding these shows. Here, I recommend three performances for your first visit to Xi'an.
Content Preview
- The Great Tang Empress
- The Legend of the Camel Bell
- Song of Everlasting Regret
- Other Popular Shows in Xi'an
1. The Great Tang Empress (大唐女皇)
"The Great Tang Empress" is a captivating large-scale Tang-style palace music and dance performance. It narrates the historical story of Empress Wu Zetian, from her selection to enter the palace at age 14 to her ascension to the throne at age 67.
The performance vividly recreates the rapid rise of the Great Tang Dynasty, showcasing the nation's prosperity, the peace of its people, and the fierce battles on the battlefield.
The Great Tang EmpressWhy recommend it?
- Excellent Location and Timing: The theater is centrally located in Xi'an, making it easy to access. The performance takes place in the evening, allowing you to explore scenic spots during the day.
- Strong Chinese Flavor: Traditional Tang-style instruments, such as drums, pan flutes, and guzhengs, are used. The dance movements are inspired by Tang-style murals and historical records, while the actors wear stunning Tang-style costumes, showcasing the richness of ancient Chinese costume culture.
Traditional Tang-style instruments showing in the show- Unique Performance Form: The show combines singing and dancing to depict the prosperous Tang Dynasty and the life of the empress, with body language enhancing the understanding of the performance's content.
- Dinner Show Option: The theater offers dumpling feasts and palace feasts, allowing you to enjoy a meal while watching the performance, providing insight into the lifestyle of Tang Dynasty nobles.
Tips:
- Performance Time: 19:30 without dinner, and 18:30 with dinner.
- Duration: Approximately 70 minutes.
- Ticket Price: Ranges from 268 to 1280 yuan. If you just watching the performance, I recommend the 380-yuan ticket, which offers great seats and an excellent experience. Simple snacks are also available. If you wanting a meal, consider the 400-yuan dumpling feast ticket or the 580-yuan palace feast ticket.
Enjoy delicious food while watching the performance- Location: Xi'an Tang Music Palace Theatre, No. 75, Chang'an North Road, Beilin District. It's near the Xi'an City Wall, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, offering a delightful night view or the opportunity for nightlife enjoyment after the show.
2. The Legend of the Camel Bell (驼铃传奇)
"The Legend of the Camel Bell" is set against the backdrop of the Silk Road, recounting the thrilling experiences of camel caravans and the cultural exchanges among different nations.
It serves as a vivid history lesson, bringing to life stories from the Silk Road thousands of years ago, making it a must-see, especially for families with children.
The Legend of the Camel Bell Why recommend it?
- Distinctive Stage Experience: The audience seats can move, transporting you to different scenes for an immersive experience. The stage effects are incredibly realistic, simulating volcanic eruptions, avalanches, and floods, making you feel as if you're facing the harsh natural environments alongside the camel caravan. Real camels and wolves enhance the performance, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
- Cultural Elements: The show features cultural elements from various countries, including traditional Chinese martial arts, acrobatics, and dances from ancient Rome, showcasing the Silk Road as a significant avenue for cultural integration and exchange.
The Buddhist culture in the performance Tips:
- Performance Time: Multiple performances daily, typically starting at 14:45, 17:15, and 19:00, with additional shows based on ticket bookings.
- Duration: Approximately 70 minutes.
- Ticket Price: Ranges from 298 yuan for VIP seats to 468 yuan for special VIP seats. I recommend the special VIP seats for a more thrilling experience as wolves will fly over your head during the show. If you choose the 398-yuan ticket, bring an umbrella, as you may get wet from the 3,000-ton water pouring during the performance.
- Location: Huaxia Cultural and Tourism Resort, No. 1518, Huawen Road, Chanba Ecological District. The area also features a water park and ski resort.
3. Song of Everlasting Regret (长恨歌)
Based on Bai Juyi's narrative poem "Song of Everlasting Regret," this performance vividly recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and the love story between Emperor Minghuang and Yang Guifei.
Song of Everlasting RegretWhy recommend it?
- Breathtaking Visuals: Set against Lishan Mountain and Jiulong Lake in Huaqing Palace, the natural scenery transports you back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Stunning Lighting and Stage Design: The breathtaking lighting illuminates the night sky, while the intricate stage layout brings the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei to life.
Stunning lighting and stage design- Accessibility for International Tourists: Although performed in Chinese, the expressive performances and stunning visuals allow international visitors to appreciate and enjoy the show.
Tips:
- Duration: Approximately 70 minutes.
- Ticket Price: Ranges from 248 to 988 yuan, with 398 and 588 yuan tickets offering excellent value. Book at least 2-3 days in advance through the official website or travel agency, as tickets often sell out.
- Location: Huaqing Palace Scenic Area, 38 kilometers from Xi'an City; consider visiting Huaqing Palace as well.
- Dress Warmly: Since it's an evening performance and temperatures can drop at the foot of the mountain, bring a warm coat.
Other Popular Shows in Xi'an
Other performances, such as The Resurrected Terracotta Warriors (复活的军团), Love of the Terracotta Warriors, Mighty Great Qin (赳赳大秦), The Double Twelve Incident (1212西安事变), Dream of Chang'an (梦长安), Dream-chasing in the Great Tang (大唐追梦), Eternal Love in Xi'an (西安千古情), and Xi'an Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance, are also wonderful.
However, they are not recommended here due to their performance forms, languages, or storylines, which may not resonate with foreign audiences. If you have a good command of Chinese and a deep understanding of Chinese history, you might enjoy these shows.
Discover the Majestic Xi'an with China Highlights
We offer private tours with transfers and ticket booking. Your personal guide will provide tailored experiences, allowing you to explore China at your own pace.
Enjoy customized itineraries and insights into local culture. Whether you're interested in history, cuisine, or nature, our private services will cater to your preferences for an unforgettable trip.
Take a moment to fill out a form, and we will start creating your personalized trip, or you can find inspiration from our popular Xi'an itineraries.