Shufeng Yayun Opera House
Experience the vibrant heart of Sichuan Opera with mesmerizing face-changing, shadow puppetry, and endless tea. A cultural immersion like no other!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
The full opera experience
Shufeng Yayun Opera House
Best Time
The full opera experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the vibrant heart of Sichuan Opera with mesmerizing face-changing, shadow puppetry, and endless tea. A cultural immersion like no other!
"An enjoyable and authentic Sichuan Opera experience with fantastic performances and complimentary tea!"
🎯 Book VIP for Perks
VIP tickets often include massages or ear cleaning during the show. Arrive early to queue for these popular services!
☕ Free-Flowing Refreshments
Sip on endless cups of tea and snack on sunflower seeds provided throughout the performance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Face-Changing (Bian Lian)
Main Stage
Witness the mesmerizing and rapid transformation of masks, a signature Sichuan Opera art form.

Hand Shadow Puppetry
Main Stage
Marvel at intricate stories told with just hands and light, a surprisingly captivating performance.
Complimentary Tea & Snacks
Auditorium
Enjoy endless refills of tea and sunflower seeds, a delightful accompaniment to the show.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Seats
Embrace the Relaxed Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book VIP for Perks
VIP tickets often include massages or ear cleaning during the show. Arrive early to queue for these popular services!
☕ Free-Flowing Refreshments
Sip on endless cups of tea and snack on sunflower seeds provided throughout the performance.
🎭 Costume Photoshoot
Try on opera costumes backstage for fun photos, though it's an optional add-on.
slippery floors
Be cautious of potentially slippery floors in the restrooms.
Which Sichuan opera house would you recommend?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book VIP for Perks
VIP tickets often include massages or ear cleaning during the show. Arrive early to queue for these popular services!
☕ Free-Flowing Refreshments
Sip on endless cups of tea and snack on sunflower seeds provided throughout the performance.
🎭 Costume Photoshoot
Try on opera costumes backstage for fun photos, though it's an optional add-on.
slippery floors
Be cautious of potentially slippery floors in the restrooms.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the authentic and entertaining Sichuan Opera experience at Shufeng Yayun, particularly praising the mesmerizing face-changing and hand shadow performances. The complimentary, endlessly refilled tea and sunflower seeds add to the relaxed, communal atmosphere, making it a highly recommended cultural immersion. However, some note that restroom facilities could use an upgrade and advise caution due to slippery floors.
"we watched the Sichuan opera tonight and it was amazing! Absolutely loved the show- beautiful, vibrant and a must see if you are into traditional Chinese cultural heritage. I especially enjoyed the shadow show and the mask show. A nice surprise for us was that the tea which you get at your table gets a refill during the show. Also the sunflower seeds get refilled and are a free addition to the amazing show. We also tried the costumes backstage and took some pictures in the costumes of the opera characters- that was fun but not necessary. The bathrooms need an upgrade and have very slippery floors. So be careful! All in all I definitely recommend this place."
R S
"Chinese opera aka a chaotic talent show which was definitely amusing... 😁
They serve bottomless tea and sunflower seeds. I kept sipping from my cup and it wasn't finishing, then I realised someone is continuously topping it up.
It was so relaxed, there were people getting massages, getting their ears checked, playing candy crush, watching videos on their phones, all while enjoying the opera, sipping tea, and snacking. Not the theatre I'm used to but I loved it 🤣"
Mana Jalali
"I was so glad that my wife insisted on watching a Sichuan opera and for the driver to recommend this place. We had been to another tea house at Chongqing and it wasn’t really a traditional or authentic performance. Chinese rap music was included in the performance! For Shufengya, one patron was given the choice of a massage, ear digging (doctor warning!) or dessert. You have to queue for the massage or ear digging so it’ll be good if you arrive an hour earlier as it was very popular. I opted for the dessert thinking it’ll be some Chinese biscuits or cakes but it turned out to be a Japanese pancake with cream and fruits. Disappointing start. However, tea and sunflower seeds were free flow and constantly topped up. The show was about an hour and the different types of performance was worth the price. There were puppetry, musical instrument performance, hand shadow (my personal favourite) acrobat, and the ubiquitous Face change. Each item was entertaining on its own. You must not miss this!"
HC L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The opera house is conveniently located near Qingyang Palace and River View Pearl. The most recommended way to get there is by metro to the nearest station, followed by a short walk.
Yes, it is accessible via public transport, with metro stations nearby. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
From Kuanzhai Alley, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service, or use public transport by heading to the nearest metro station. The journey is relatively short.
Information on dedicated parking facilities can be limited. It's advisable to check with the venue directly or opt for public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option. It's a good idea to use a map app to gauge the distance and walking time from nearby landmarks like Qingyang Palace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through platforms like Trip.com, or directly at the venue. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for better seating.
Shows are typically held in the evenings, offering a full Sichuan Opera experience. It's best to check the official schedule for exact timings.
Yes, there are various seating options, including standard and VIP seats. Investing in better seats is often recommended for an enhanced viewing experience.
Standard tickets usually include access to the performance. VIP tickets may offer additional perks like massages or ear cleaning services.
While tickets may be available on the day, it's safer to book in advance to secure your spot and preferred seating, especially during peak tourist seasons.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
Expect a diverse range of traditional Sichuan Opera acts, including the famous face-changing (Bian Lian), hand shadow puppetry, acrobatics, and musical performances.
Yes, the visual nature of performances like face-changing, puppetry, and acrobatics makes them enjoyable even without understanding Mandarin.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and communal. Unlike traditional theaters, patrons often engage in other activities like massages or enjoying snacks while watching.
Some VIP packages include services like massages or ear cleaning performed during the show. There's also an opportunity to try on costumes backstage.
Casual and comfortable attire is perfectly acceptable. The focus is on enjoying the cultural experience, so dress comfortably.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, complimentary tea and sunflower seeds are provided and continuously refilled throughout the performance.
While the complimentary tea and seeds are a highlight, additional snacks or meals might be available for purchase, though the focus is on the provided refreshments.
A variety of local teas are typically served, and the constant refilling ensures you can enjoy it throughout the show.
The area around the opera house likely has various dining options, from local eateries to more formal restaurants, offering a chance to dine before or after the show.
Tipping is not generally expected for the complimentary tea service, as it's part of the overall experience offered by the opera house.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography, especially with flash, is usually restricted during the main performances to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. Check venue rules.
The backstage area, especially during the costume try-on, offers great photo opportunities. The exterior of the opera house can also be picturesque.
While tempting, it's best to refrain from flash photography during the face-changing segment to respect the performance and other attendees.
Some packages might include professional photos or opportunities to take pictures in costumes, but these are usually separate add-ons.
A camera with good low-light performance and a quiet shutter mode would be ideal if photography is permitted. However, phone cameras are often sufficient for casual shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sichuan Opera
Beyond the iconic face-changing, Sichuan Opera features other captivating acts such as hand shadow puppetry, where performers create intricate figures and stories using only their hands and a light source. Acrobatics and musical interludes featuring traditional Chinese instruments also play a significant role, adding layers of excitement and cultural depth to the shows.
What sets Sichuan Opera apart, especially in venues like Shufeng Yayun, is its unique presentation. It often blends traditional elements with a more relaxed, communal atmosphere. This includes the continuous offering of complimentary tea and snacks, creating a comfortable and social environment for the audience, making it a truly immersive cultural experience.
Experiencing Shufeng Yayun: Beyond the Stage
For those seeking an enhanced experience, VIP ticket options often come with exclusive services. These can include massages and ear cleaning, which are performed during the show. It's advisable to arrive early if you wish to take advantage of these popular VIP perks, as they can involve queues.
An often-mentioned highlight is the opportunity to try on traditional opera costumes backstage. This interactive element allows visitors to step into the shoes of the performers and capture memorable photos, adding a fun and personal touch to their visit.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Transportation to the opera house is generally straightforward, with metro access being a convenient option. Familiarize yourself with the local public transport system or use ride-sharing services for ease of access.
Be mindful of the restroom facilities, as some reviews mention them needing an upgrade and having potentially slippery floors. Exercise caution to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit