The Changing Faces of Sichuan Opera

The Changing Faces
of Sichuan Opera

Enjoy the ancient Chinese dramatic art of Sichuan Opera on an enlightening excursion. During this
skillful and amusing performance, watch the magic of the face changing masters
who seemingly change their expressions in the blink of an eye.

WHY THIS TOUR?

Face changing is the highlight performance of the Sichuan Opera. The origins of this performance are linked to an ancient time when people painted their faces to scare and drive away wild animals. Sichuan Opera has developed this practice into an art form.

This type of opera has its roots at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the start of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) when art and literature flourished. Performers can change over 10 masks in less than 20 seconds through techniques such as raising a hand, or swinging a sleeve, thereby portraying different emotions in an instant. Sichuan Opera needs to be seen to be believed. It is truly one of China’s greatest cultural performances.

TRAIL ITINERARY

The Changing Faces of Sichuan Opera

19:30 - 21:30

The driver will collect you from the hotel and take you to the venue for the evening show of Sichuan Opera. Take your seat and get ready for a skillful and amusing theatrical performance with brightly coloured costumes, acrobatics, circus-like elements and dramatic music.

Throughout the show, look out for three main types of face changes. The Pulling Mask routine is the most complicated. Multiple masks are hung with a silk thread and lightly pasted to the face one by one. With a flick of the silk thread, the performer is able to magically whisk away the masks as the drama develops. During the Wiping Mask routine, cosmetic paint is applied to the face to portray an emotion or expression. The Blowing Mask routine involves boxes of gold, silver and coloured powder. When the performer blows at the powder, it puffs onto the face and creates a different effect. Blink and you might miss this incredible spectacle!

At the end of the performance, the driver will take you back to the hotel.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • An evening tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
  • Standard seat for Evening Face-Changing Show
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges
  • Standard seat for Evening Face-Changing Show

EXCLUSIONS

  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying inside downtown Chengdu. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as the Panda Research Centre, Qingcheng Shan District, the Dujiangyan District, any cruise and ferry terminal and Chengdu International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
  • Customers are advised that during the Lunar Festival celebrations (celebration of Chinese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal
  • We regret that we cannot guarantee in any way, confirmed pre-seating for this show. The final seating arrangement will be determined on spot
  • We will always make the effort to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour
  • Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests
  • The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions
  • This excursion is only operated in the evening.

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