Tianleyuan Theater
Tianleyuan Theater offers a rare chance to step into the living history of Peking Opera while exploring Beijing’s Qianmen area. Founded in the late 18th century, it has seen generations of performers and remains an active part of the city’s traditional theater scene. Influential figures and institutions in Peking Opera history, including Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), Cheng Yanqiu (1904-58), and China’s first all-female opera training school, were once connected with the theater.
Since its reopening, Tianleyuan has functioned as a cultural and leisure venue dedicated to Peking Opera. Beyond live performances, visitors can try on traditional opera costumes for photo sessions and explore rotating exhibitions that introduce opera-related objects and themes. These experiences offer travelers and culture enthusiasts an accessible way to engage with one of China’s most iconic performing arts, both in its traditional form and its contemporary presentation.
If you go:
Address: No 68, Xianyukou Jie, Qianmen subdistrict, Dongcheng district, Beijing
Tickets for performances and Peking Opera costume photoshoot can be booked on major Chinese ticketing platforms, including Meituan (美团), Trip.com (携程) and Dianping (大众点评).