If you are planning to visit Yangshuo and are considering watching the famous “Impression Liu Sanjie” performance, you may want to think twice. As someone who was excited to see this large-scale outdoor show, directed by the renowned Zhang Yimou, I left the theater feeling disappointed. Despite its popularity as one of the top attractions in Yangshuo and its promise of stunning natural beauty combined with spectacular choreography, my experience did not justify the ticket price. Here’s why.
The Environment: A Letdown
The initial impression upon entering the theater is that the surrounding mountains and river backdrop are indeed breathtaking. For a moment, the dramatic setting left me in awe. However, this excitement quickly faded when the rain started. Having anticipated that the outdoor venue would offer some form of shelter, I was shocked to find that there was no coverage, and thousands of attendees had to endure the rain. It’s particularly disappointing since the rainy season in Guilin lasts from April to August, and the lack of basic protection for the audience feels like a major oversight.
Additionally, the venue’s entrance is located about 300 meters from the actual theater. Although there are shuttle buses, they weren’t available when I arrived, and the walk from the entrance to the theater was unnecessarily long. This means you should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than you think, just to get to your seat.
The Story: Confusing and Unfocused
While the setting may have been beautiful, the content of the performance was another story. As much as I would have tolerated the rain if the show had been captivating, the narrative itself was hard to follow and poorly structured. The opening, with rows of red silk being lifted, caught my attention and piqued my curiosity about the staging, but soon after, the repetition of the same act for nearly 15 minutes became tedious.
The plot was vague at best. I could barely grasp the storyline, which loosely revolved around Liu Sanjie’s appearance, romance, and wedding. However, the entire show felt like an “impression” of a story rather than a clear narrative. The experience was reminiscent of Western Impressionist music—abstract, unclear, and difficult to engage with. This type of performance might appeal to niche tastes, but for the general audience, it felt unsatisfying and difficult to connect with.
The Stage Design: Underwhelming
When it comes to stage design, this show does not live up to expectations either. During the performance, two large props—a boat and a pavilion—came on stage briefly, but their purpose was unclear, and they seemed to serve no real function other than as visual distractions. Later, the finale included a segment with actors turning lights on and off, which felt overly drawn out. While this technique may have been novel two decades ago, it now feels outdated and uninteresting.
Moreover, the use of lighting was minimal, mostly shining on the actors without interacting with the stunning mountain backdrop. This lack of integration between the lighting and the natural surroundings felt like a wasted opportunity. To make matters worse, the final scenes included projections of behind-the-scenes footage, showing rehearsals and the director’s involvement, which gave off an overwhelming sense of nostalgia rather than innovation.
After researching, I found that this show first premiered in 2004, and although there have likely been some updates over the years, it still feels stuck in the past. With millions of dollars in revenue from ticket sales, it’s surprising that the show hasn’t been significantly revamped.
The Traffic: A Nightmare
The night of our performance, the traffic was an absolute nightmare. Our show ran from 8:00 to 9:00 PM, and when the performance ended, the crowd surged out, causing massive congestion. Fortunately, we had the foresight to eat at a nearby restaurant, which helped pass the time and avoid the chaos. Afterward, we managed to catch a shuttle bus for 10 yuan per person, which took us to the West Street area. However, the walk from the drop-off point still took some time.
If you plan on attending this show, you should be prepared for heavy traffic both before and after the performance. The logistical issues were as frustrating as the show itself.
Final Thoughts: Not Worth It
In conclusion, “Impression Liu Sanjie” did not live up to its reputation. Despite the beautiful natural scenery and its potential as a unique cultural experience, the performance lacked coherence, creativity, and modern appeal. The dated production, confusing narrative, and logistical challenges make it hard to justify the ticket price. For visitors to Yangshuo, I would recommend carefully considering whether this show is worth your time and money. There are certainly other attractions in the area that may provide a more enjoyable experience.