Shufeng Yayun Theater · Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show · Grand Classical Chinese Theater

The Sichuan opera performance at Chengdu's "Shufeng Yayun Theater · Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show · Grand Classical Chinese Theater" is a shining pearl in the treasure trove of Chinese theater. It is beloved by people across southwestern provinces such as Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou.Love to seeSichuan opera is a form of ethnic folk art. In terms of vocal styles, it consists of four major systems—high-pitched singing, Kunqu-style singing, huqin-style singing, and weak singing—plus a local folk lantern opera. Except for the lantern opera, all these styles were introduced to Sichuan by theatrical troupes from other provinces between the late Ming Dynasty and the mid-Qing Dynasty.

Sichuan opera is a shining pearl in the treasure trove of Chinese theater,This venue once gathered numerous renowned Sichuan opera performers, and in recent years, it has reunited top artists from across the province to present nightly "classic opera and extraordinary folk art performances."

Shufeng Yayun Theater · Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show · Grand Classical Chinese Theater is a popular destination for enjoying Sichuan opera in Chengdu. Nestled in the cultural park beside Qintai Ancient Path and adjacent to Qingyang Palace, its rustic architecture reflects the unhurried charm of old Western Sichuan. Once a century-old theater with fluctuating fortunes, it long served as a gathering place for renowned Sichuan opera performers. Founded in 1998 with "classic operas and extraordinary folk performances" as its regular repertoire, Shufeng Yayun revitalized this historic stage, becoming one of Sichuan's most culturally rooted folk theaters.

The performance strings together the essence of Sichuan folk arts: face-changing and fire-spitting steal the show, with actors transforming masks in a blink and flames bursting from their mouths; the clown's lamp-rolling stunt thrills with danger and humor as they tumble between benches with a lit lamp on their head; rod puppetry, shadow hand plays, and quick-change acts each dazzle with ingenuity, while long-spout kung fu tea art flows effortlessly. Characters like sheng, dan, jing, mo, and chou take turns on stage, interspersed with Sichuan opera vocal styles—Kunqu, high-pitched singing, huqin, and plucked opera—alongside Sichuan Qingyin, erhu, and guqin. With the strike of gongs and drums, the air fills with the nostalgic charm of old opera houses.

The theater experience here is quintessentially Chengdu: the venue is arranged like a traditional teahouse, with square tables and covered-bowl tea, allowing you to sip tea and snack on sunflower seeds while watching the show, just like seasoned tea-goers. Interactive activities like trying on costumes and taking photos are often included, making it especially fun for travelers with kids or those who love photography. A single evening's performance—from the opening gongs and drums to the grand finale of face-changing—offers an authentic taste of western Sichuan's folk arts. After the show, step outside to the antique-style streets of Qintai Path, seamlessly connecting with daytime visits to Qingyang Palace and Wide and Narrow Alleys.