Beijing Fantastic Night City Tour with Shadow Puppet Show

Tour itinerary

Make your arrival in Beijing effortless with our personalized pick-up service. Our local guide will meet you at your hotel, apartment, train station, or airport, holding a "Your Way Holiday" sign for easy recognition. After a comfortable transfer with our expert driver, you'll be all set to enjoy a captivating cultural evening, beginning with an enchanting shadow puppet show.

We’ll drive you to the Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel in Beijing, where you'll have the chance to connect with a cherished piece of Chinese heritage. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of shadow play—a traditional art form that captivated audiences long before the modern era. In ancient times, people in military camps and rural villages found joy and entertainment by projecting intricately crafted figures onto illuminated screens. Nestled in the historic Hutong area at the heart of Beijing, the Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel invites you to experience this timeless tradition. With its captivating performances held three nights a week, the venue offers a unique opportunity for audiences of all ages to enjoy a mesmerizing blend of history, artistry, and cultural connection.    

Chinese shadow puppet show, also called Piying Show or Piying Xi in Chinese language, is a traditional folk art, the origin of which can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty (206BC - 25 AD). With puppet silhouettes made out of cow's leather or donkey hide, the shadow show figures of the Guanzhong area of Shaanxi Province are the most representative in China, which are modeled on the stone relief patterns of the Han Dynasty, the academic-style painting of the Song Dynasty (960-1279AD) and folk paper-cuts. Today, Guanzhong shadow play figures are very popular with collectors and as home decorations. And most tourists who visit Beijing, Xian, Shaanxi are always willing to buy them as souvenir. Shadow Play is an ancient Chinese traditional folk art, which old Beijingers call the "donkey shadow shadow". In 2011, Shadow Play was selected to be part of the Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

This particular show has a rich 19-year history, blending classic traditional repertoire with both traditional and contemporary performance techniques. The play consists of two acts and runs for approximately 30 minutes, showcasing the elegance and complexity of shadow art. At the end of the performance, you'll have the unique opportunity to delve deeper into the art form. Venture backstage to witness the intricate process of shadow play production, where you can observe how the figures are manipulated and illuminated. You'll also have the chance to engage with the shadow master, who will offer insights and share their expertise, providing a deeper appreciation of this captivating and centuries-old craft.

By the way, you can also participate in the shadow painting painting course (optional), the shadow master will explain the cultural background of the shadow play, teach you shadow shadow play skills, and assist with you to color the materials into your own original work of art. Shadow play show begins every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 20:00 pm and lasts half an hour. Shadow play show and coloring class after the show lasts one hour and a half.

Following the captivating shadow play show, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Wangfujing street, one of Beijing's most famous and bustling shopping streets. Wangfujing is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic mix of shops, street food stalls, and historic landmarks. As you stroll along this lively avenue, you'll encounter an array of traditional and modern retail options, ranging from high-end boutiques to unique souvenir shops. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the local delicacies from the street food vendors, offering everything from skewered meats to sweet treats. The area also features several historic sites and cultural attractions, providing a rich blend of old and new Beijing. Whether you're interested in shopping, dining, or simply soaking up the city's vibrant energy, Wangfujing offers a perfect end to your day of exploration.

After your exploration of Wangfujing Street, our guide will lead you on a delightful stroll around the Shichahai Area, where you can soak in the enchanting lakeview at night. Shichahai offers a picturesque and serene landscape, with its shimmering waters reflecting the glow of city lights. In recent years, this vibrant area has transformed into a trendy hotspot, with an array of chic bars, elegant courtyard-style private kitchens, and boutique hotels adding a modern flair to its traditional charm. Often referred to as "a piece of fashionable land adjacent to Zhongnanhai," Shichahai has earned its place as one of China’s five most beautiful urban areas. As you wander through its lively streets, you'll encounter a blend of historical beauty and contemporary sophistication, making it a perfect spot for evening exploration and relaxation.

After the tour, our guide and driver will ensure a comfortable return to your hotel in Beijing, train station or airport, based on your requirement. Throughout the evening, you’ll have been accompanied by our attentive guide, who provided insights and shared the wonders of Beijing’s cultural treasures, while our professional driver ensured a smooth and pleasant journey. We hope you enjoyed your time exploring the city's rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey ahead, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.

Price Per Person in US Dollars