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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 18 April, 2024
Expert travel writer: Thomas O’Malley

Beijing is a great place to take your first forays into China’s traditional performing arts.

Most famous is Jingju (Peking opera), staged regularly at specialist theatres, and even with its own national TV channel. Wearing symbolic outfits and make-up, performers sing at a piercing pitch backed by a percussive ensemble of gongs, drums, and clappers.

More accessible is zaji (Chinese acrobatics), thought to be 2,000 years old. Venues like the Chaoyang Theater stage nightly shows where youthful troupes demonstrate feats of almost superhuman agility.

Touring martial arts shows are also popular, often performed by Shaolin monks.

Logistics

Price from: £40
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Some acrobatic shows and opera performances are targeted at tourists and tour groups – these are generally the easiest to book, either via an online agent such as Theatre Beijing or through your hotel. Prices can vary considerably for the same show so shop around for the best deal, and don’t be afraid to haggle.

One advantage of choosing a more touristy opera performance is the likelihood of having English subtitles.

Who to go with: organised tours

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All-Inclusive Private 2-Day Beijing Highlight with optional Show

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All-Inclusive Private 2-Day Beijing Highlight with optional Show
Come with us on a discovery journey in the 2 days tour. Here you have the chance to visit the most sights seeing in Beijing during such limited time. Start the tour from your hotel each day to explore Beijing in the city and Mutianyu Great Wall. One day to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutong, Temple of Heaven and followed day to Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall. You can upgrade to have an evening show. Guide, entrance fees, and transfer service Lunches and round cable car up and down or chairlift up and toboggan down the wall are all inclusive.

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All-Inclusive Private 3-Day Beijing Highlight Tour with Optional Evening Show

Beijing

All-Inclusive Private 3-Day Beijing Highlight Tour with Optional Evening Show
Take part in this very exciting and comprehensive private tour. Our professional guide will take you to explore the amazing Beijing city during this 3 days tour, - Discover most incredible attractions such as Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, and etc. You can choose the different option by your own preferences; - Efficient way to visit the Forbidden City beating the crowd, see the valuable exhibits and visit less-know halls of the palace; - Experience the Toboggan (slide) at Mutianyu Great Wall; - Entrance fees, guide, lunch and transport are inclusive. 

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Beijing Golden Mask Dynasty Show with Private Transfer

Beijing

Beijing Golden Mask Dynasty Show with Private Transfer
Enjoy an amazing music and dancing banquet show Golden Mask Dynasty Show while you are in Beijing. The fabulous 360 degrees changes of the stage presents the beautiful Queen's love story and water show. A round-trip comfortable private transfer service from your hotel to the theater is included.

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3-Day Private Tour of Beijing UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Peking Duck+Show

Beijing

3-Day Private Tour of Beijing UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Peking Duck+Show
During this 3-day essence of Beijing private tour, you will visit the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Beijing: The Great Wall of China which is the longest defensive project in the world; Feel the best preserved imperial palace - Forbidden City; Explore the beautiful architecture in the Temple of Heaven; See the cute panda bears in the Beijing Panda House; Cruise by Dragon boat in the Summer Palace; Discover the local Hutong allays; Experience amazing night show; In additional, taste delicious local food and Peking duck; On this 3-day private tour you will have ample time to fully explore the capital city Beijing with your professional tour guide and private vehicle. This easy and convenient tour allows you to get all your planning done ahead of time so you can enjoy a hassle-free trip to Beijing!

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Two-Day Package of Beijing Highlights Private Tour with Optional Evening Show

Beijing

Two-Day Package of Beijing Highlights Private Tour with Optional Evening Show
This two day guided itineraries cover the most highlights of Beijing . Including Tiananmen Square,Forbidden City,Hutong and Temple of Heaven on day one , Great Wall at Mutianyu and Summer palace on the second day .  You will be picked up and drop off at the hotel centrally located .The entrance tickets , and round trip cable car/toboggan for Great Wall are included, but meals and Evening shows of Acrobatic/ Kongfu are on your own cost for mutiple choices.

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Beijing

China

Close up of rooftops of the Beautiful red and blue coloured Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing

China’s vibrant capital captives with its unique melding of ancient wonders, bustling hutongs and modern architecture – the food ain’t bad either. Top of the bill are the Forbidden City, the marvellous palace of China’s greatest Emperors – and the extraordinary Great Wall of China.