The Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show, staged within the Qingyang Palace cultural complex in Qingyang District, presents a condensed program of traditional Sichuan opera arts aimed at visitors, most notably bianlian (face-changing), where performers switch elaborate painted masks in an instant through sleight of hand, alongside fire-spitting, shadow puppetry, hand-shadow art, and folk musical interludes. The theater seats audiences around small tables where tea and light snacks are served before and during the roughly ninety-minute program, giving the evening a teahouse-performance feel rather than a formal seated theater. Arriving thirty minutes before the listed start time allows time to settle in with tea and snacks and to get a clear sightline to the stage, since the best face-changing viewing angles are from the center sections rather than the far sides. The show runs to a fixed nightly schedule, with an earlier performance sometimes added around 18:00 during busier periods, and tickets are typically pre-purchased rather than bought at the door, since popular evening sessions can sell out, particularly around Chinese holidays and weekends.
| Admission | Adult From ¥180 ($24.90) · Child Same pricing tiers apply; check seating category |
|---|---|
| Hours | Shows nightly around 20:00-21:30 (a 90-minute performance); an earlier show is sometimes added around 18:00 |
| Typical visit | 1.5 hours |
| Best time | Arrive 30 minutes early to enjoy tea and snacks before the show starts |
| Getting there | Metro Line 4 to Qingyang Palace Station, then a short walk |
| Address | East Gate of Cultural Park, No. 23 Qintai Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu (within the Qingyang Palace cultural complex) |
Weather through the year in Sichuan
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Sichuan.
Location
East Gate of Cultural Park, No. 23 Qintai Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu (within the Qingyang Palace cultural complex)
30.6710, 104.0450 View on map
Highlights
- Bianlian face-changing performance, the show's signature act
- Fire-spitting and shadow puppetry segments
- Traditional Sichuan folk music interludes
- Teahouse-style seating with tea and snacks served during the show
- Located within the historic Qingyang Palace cultural complex
Tips for visiting
- Arrive thirty minutes early to get settled with tea and snacks and secure a good sightline
- Book seats in advance for weekend or holiday evenings, when popular sessions can sell out
- Sit toward the center sections for the clearest view of the face-changing act
- Combine with a same-evening visit to Qingyang Palace next door before the show starts
- Check whether an earlier 18:00 show is running if the standard 20:00 slot is sold out
When to visit
Arrive 30 minutes before the show for tea and snacks; the nightly 20:00 slot is the primary performance, with an earlier 18:00 show sometimes added on busier nights.
Accessibility
The theater has step-free seating access and aisles wide enough for wheelchairs, though visitors with mobility needs should request a ground-level table when booking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Shufeng Yayun performance take?
The performance itself runs about ninety minutes, with many visitors arriving thirty minutes early for tea and snacks beforehand.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the visual spectacle of face-changing, fire-spitting, and shadow puppetry appeals to children even without understanding the spoken or sung Chinese portions.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally allowed, though flash and video recording of the face-changing act are often restricted to protect the performers' technique.