Songcheng, on Zhijiang Road in Hangzhou's Xihu District, is a recreated Song-dynasty theme town built around reconstructed period architecture, street performers, and the large-scale evening show 'The Romance of the Song Dynasty,' one of China's best-known theatrical productions. During the day, the park recreates Song-era streets with vendors selling snacks and crafts, staged performances of period customs such as a mock imperial procession, and attractions themed around Song-dynasty court life. The main draw is the evening show, a roughly 90-minute production combining acrobatics, dance, and elaborate stage effects that dramatizes episodes from Hangzhou's history, including the West Lake legend of the White Snake and the reign of the Southern Song emperors. The theater seats several thousand people and the show runs nightly, with showtimes shifting seasonally, so visitors should confirm the schedule before planning around it. A visit combining the daytime park with the evening show takes three to four hours in total; visitors focused only on the show can arrive an hour or so beforehand to walk the park grounds. The park is busiest on weekend evenings and during Chinese holiday periods, when show tickets sell out further in advance. Because the site is a modern theme park built to evoke Song-dynasty aesthetics rather than a historical site with original structures, it is best approached as theatrical entertainment and family-oriented cultural theming rather than a heritage visit.
| Admission | Adult Day park ticket CNY 100 (approx $14.90); evening show ticket from CNY 320 (approx $47.69) · Child Reduced tickets for children under 1.5m; free under 1.2m |
|---|---|
| Hours | Park daily 9:00AM-9:00PM; main evening show typically at 7:30PM (schedule varies by season) |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours including the evening show |
| Best time | Late afternoon into evening to combine the park with the headline show |
| Getting there | Bus 318 or K504 to Songcheng stop; approx 30 minutes from central Hangzhou |
| Address | 148 Zhijiang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China |
Weather through the year in Zhejiang
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Zhejiang.
Location
148 Zhijiang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
30.2075, 120.1102 View on map
Highlights
- 'The Romance of the Song Dynasty' nightly theatrical show with acrobatics and stage effects
- Recreated Song-dynasty streets with period costume and craft vendors
- Staged daytime performances including a mock imperial procession
- White Snake legend and Southern Song history dramatized on stage
- Family-oriented theme park combining dining, shopping and performance
Tips for visiting
- Book evening show tickets in advance, especially for weekend and holiday dates
- Arrive at least an hour before showtime to walk the daytime park area
- Showtimes shift seasonally, so confirm the current schedule before visiting
- Combine the day ticket and evening show ticket for the fullest experience
- Weekday visits are considerably quieter than weekends and holidays
When to visit
Late afternoon into evening lets visitors combine the daytime park with the headline show; weekdays are quieter than weekends and holidays.
Accessibility
The park grounds and main theater are level and accessible for wheelchair users, with designated seating available in the theater on request.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Songcheng take?
A visit combining the daytime park and the evening show takes about three to four hours in total.
Is Songcheng worth it for kids?
Yes, the daytime park's performances and the evening show's visual spectacle appeal broadly to families with children.
Is photography allowed during the evening show?
Photography without flash is generally allowed during the show, though flash photography and video recording are often restricted.