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Experience

Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show

川剧变脸表演

China's most visually spectacular traditional performance — masks swap in the blink of an eye.

⏱️ 1.5–2 hoursEasy for foreigners🎟️ ¥150–280 depending on seat tier (VIP front section vs. standard)📅 Evening shows only. Nightly at 8pm. Book ahead esp…
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Why Go

Sichuan face-changing (bianlian) is one of China's most dazzling performing arts — performers swap richly painted masks in milliseconds, the technique a closely guarded secret passed within families. The Shufeng Yayun Theatre combines face-changing with shadow puppetry, fire-breathing, and Sichuan opera singing in a polished 90-minute show with English subtitles.

Practical Info

The Shufeng Yayun Theatre on Qintai Road is the most established and tourist-friendly venue. Shows run nightly at 8pm. Book through Trip.com, your hotel concierge, or directly via the theatre's WeChat account. Tea and snacks are served at your table during the performance. Arrive 30 minutes early for the pre-show tea ceremony.

Opening Hours

Shows: 8:00pm – 9:30pm nightly

Entry Fee

¥150–280 depending on seat tier (VIP front section vs. standard)

Address

Shufeng Yayun Theatre, 3 Qintai Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu

成都市青羊区琴台路3号蜀风雅韵剧场

Advance Booking Required

Book 1–3 days ahead via Trip.com or your hotel. Sells out in peak season. The front-row "VIP" seats are closest to the stage action.

Travel Cards

Show these to locals — large Chinese text designed to be read at arm's length.

Taxi / DiDi

Show to Taxi Driver — Sichuan Opera Theatre

Show this to locals:

师傅您好,请送我去蜀风雅韵剧场,地址:成都市青羊区琴台路3号。谢谢!

Hello, please take me to Shufeng Yayun Theatre. Address: 3 Qintai Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu. Thank you!

For your eyes only:

Tell your driver you are going to the Sichuan Opera theatre on Qintai Road for the evening face-changing show.

Ticket Counter

At the Theatre — Collecting Your Ticket

Show this to locals:

您好,我在网上订了今晚的川剧变脸演出,请问在哪里取票?

Hello, I booked tonight's Sichuan Opera face-changing show online. Where do I collect my ticket?

For your eyes only:

Show your booking confirmation QR code. Arrive 30 minutes before the 8pm show for the best seat selection within your tier.

Step-by-Step Guides

Follow these guides to navigate each part of your visit.

An Evening at the Sichuan Opera

  1. Book your ticket in advance via Trip.com — front section (VIP) is worth the premium

  2. Take a DiDi to Shufeng Yayun Theatre on Qintai Road — show the taxi card

  3. Arrive 30 minutes before the 8pm show — early arrivals get priority seat choice within their tier

  4. Tea and snacks are served at your table during the performance — enjoy the atmosphere

  5. The face-changing (变脸) numbers come at intervals throughout the show — watch the performer's hands

  6. Photography is allowed — video recording of the actual mask-swap is typically restricted

  7. The show ends around 9:30pm — use DiDi to return to your hotel or continue to Jinli Street nearby

Insider Tips

  1. Front section tickets are worth the extra cost — the mask swaps are visible at 10 metres but extraordinary up close.

  2. The technique of mask-swapping is a closely guarded secret within performing families — do not expect an explanation.

  3. Fire-breathing and shadow puppetry are also part of the show — arrive early for the pre-show courtyard atmosphere.

  4. Book via Trip.com for English-language confirmation and easy cancellation if plans change.

Nearby Places

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