During the Qing dynasty, a new term emerged in the history of Chinese opera: the Liyuan Guild Hall. Opera has long been nicknamed "liyuan," and opera performers are called "liyuan disciples." Originally, the Liyuan Guild Hall served as a union and spiritual home for opera artists. Over time, opera became a gem of China's traditional arts and one of the most important folk cultural forms. With its diverse and fascinating genres, opera combines singing, dancing, dialogue, and martial arts, integrating "singing, acting, recitation, and acrobatics" into a unique performance style that stands out in the history of world theater.
Liyuan theater was co-founded by renowned Sichuan Opera dan role performer Hu Xuemei and private entrepreneur Liao Xiaojian (a former Sichuan Opera actor), located in Chengdu's central leisure tourism district, Wenshu Fang. Originating after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the theater spontaneously organized "public benefit performances" to entertain opera enthusiasts, becoming a spiritual pillar for countless fans during that special period. It upholds the principle of "living for oneself, performing for the audience."
Today, the Liyuan Theater is not only the "Sichuan Opera Practice Base" of the national intangible cultural heritage, but also collaborates with the Chengdu Charity Federation to establish a public welfare fund for the inheritance of Sichuan Opera, contributing its own efforts to the cultural heritage of Sichuan Opera. It pioneered the <family-friendly Sichuan Opera special performance>, attracting numerous family-friendly families to experience and learn about Sichuan Opera.
Liyuan theater focuses on Sichuan opera, promoting its reputation as "Sichuan opera showcases the world." Here, you can step into both the stage and backstage, interact closely with artists, and enjoy diverse Sichuan opera performances: face-changing, fire-spitting, lamp-rolling, kung fu tea art, puppet shows, shadow hand plays, and more—immersing in traditional culture's charm.
Liyuan theater gathers friends through performances, hosting renowned domestic opera masters. While offering travelers to Sichuan authentic local opera culture, it also creates special performances of classic operas from various regions and showcases extraordinary folk arts.
Liyuan Guild Hall aspires to greatness. Here, you can enjoy opera and tea while savoring local snacks. If you're an "opera fan," you can play the role of a star performer, experiencing "a minute on stage takes ten years of practice off stage." If you come for "hobby," welcome to join the "Liyuan disciples," as we collectively preserve and promote Chinese opera culture.
Other visitors' reviews of Liyuan Guild Hall-Chuan Opera Changing Face (wenshuyuan store)
Show More ReviewsExcellent performance. In between performances, there is the hand puppet is a little boring though.