Product Overview
Located in the heart of Chengdu's bustling Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Meihua Theatre offers an authentic and immersive Sichuan Opera experience that has captivated audiences for over 40 years. As a designated training base for the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Sichuan Opera, this theatre brings together a veteran troupe of accomplished performers to present the very best of traditional Sichuan opera arts.
The centrepiece of the show is the world-famous Face-Changing (Bian Lian) — a dazzling ancient art form in which performers switch vividly painted masks in the blink of an eye, depicting a range of emotions from joy and anger to sorrow and surprise. Accompanied by the jaw-dropping Fire-Breathing stunt and a rich line-up of traditional performances, this 60–70 minute show delivers direct entertainment, cultural depth, and audience interaction.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Chengdu or a culture enthusiast, Plum Blossom Theatre offers a memorable window into the soul of Sichuan's performing arts.
Performance Highlights
World-Renowned Face-Changing
Sichuan Opera face-changing is one of China's most treasured intangible cultural heritages. Using split-second timing, concealed mechanisms, and years of training, performers can change masks dozens of times within a single act—each mask reflecting a different character or mood. The artistry and speed will leave you breathless.
Spectacular Fire-Breathing
As an explosive complement to face-changing, the fire-breathing act sees performers exhale roaring flames into the air, creating a thrilling and dramatic spectacle that never fails to wow the audience.
Long-Spout Teapot Tea Art
This unique performance combines traditional tea service with acrobatic skill. Tea masters wield metre-long spouted teapots with incredible precision, pouring tea from dramatic angles—and even coming down into the audience to serve you a steaming cup of authentic Chengdu covered-bowl tea (Gaiwan).
Diverse Programme of Traditional Acts
Each show features a rotating selection of classic Sichuan Opera and folk performances, including:
Sword and Horse Dan (Female Warrior Roles) — Martial arts choreography with elegance and power
Rubber Band Rolling Lamp (Pi Jin Gun Deng) — A comic Sichuan Opera sketch that keeps the audience laughing
Diabolo (Chinese Yo-Yo) & Jar Balancing — Dazzling acrobatic feats
Hand Shadow Puppetry — Imaginative folk art using only hands and light
Long-Sleeve Opera Dance — Graceful, flowing traditional dance with water-like sleeves
Up-Close Audience Interaction
Plum Blossom Theatre is known for its immersive, interactive style:
Tea artists walk through the aisles to pour tea directly into your cup
Face-changing performers step off the stage and into the audience for close-up mask changes and handshakes
After the show, guests who purchase face-changing souvenir dolls can take photos with the performers