“Impression of Sanjie Liu (印象·刘三姐)” is the world’s largest outdoor scenic performance, set against the backdrop of the stunning landscape of the Li River in Guilin. Created by the renowned director Zhang Yimou, with scriptwriting by Mei Shuaiyuan and direction by Wang Chaoge and Fan Yue, this groundbreaking show is the centerpiece of the Guilin Li River Scenic Area.
Spanning a two-kilometer radius along the Li River, the performance area is surrounded by twelve majestic peaks and an expansive sky, forming the largest natural stage in the world for a scenic show. This grand spectacle, meticulously crafted over three and a half years, integrates the ethereal beauty of the Li River landscape, the rich culture of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s ethnic minorities, and the artistic brilliance of Chinese elites. It stands as the world’s first “mountain-water live performance” with a fresh conceptual approach.
The show reflects the opulence and grandeur of traditional Guangxi culture, featuring one of the region’s most beloved legends, Liu Sanjie, a revered folk singer. Liu Sanjie’s story is deeply rooted in the local ethnic traditions, where singing is an integral part of life. Historically, before performances, villagers would offer incense at Liu Sanjie’s shrine, seeking her blessing for a successful song contest.
“Impression of Sanjie Liu” captures the essence of these ancient traditions through an unparalleled combination of natural and artistic elements. Using China’s largest environmental lighting and unique fog effects, the show creates a dreamlike visual experience. Unlike conventional theater performances confined to indoor spaces, this show uses nature as its stage, with the Li River’s water and Guilin’s mountains serving as the central set, offering an expansive view and transcendent experience.
Traditional performances are human creations, but “mountain-water live performances” are a collaborative effort between humans and nature. In “Impression of Sanjie Liu,” the appearance and disappearance of peaks, reflections on the water, misty rain, whispers of bamboo forests, and moonlight all seamlessly blend into the performance, adding enchanting interludes. On clear days, the Li River’s reflections are particularly captivating, while the misty rain provides a different kind of beauty.
The performance area is almost entirely covered in green, with tea trees, phoenix tail bamboo, and grass planting contributing to a greening rate of over 90%. The lighting and sound systems for the show are discreetly designed to blend with the environment. The water stage is constructed with bamboo rafts, which can be dismantled and hidden when not in use, ensuring no impact on the river and riverbed. The audience seating, designed to blend with the terrain in a terraced shape, harmonizes with the surroundings and considers flood safety.
The site also features traditional structures like drum towers, wind and rain bridges, and VIP seating areas, all rich in ethnic characteristics. Impressively, the entire project was constructed without using a single iron nail.
The audience area is designed in a green terraced layout, providing a 180-degree panoramic view of the performance and the surrounding two-kilometer stretch of the river. It accommodates 2,200 seats, including 2,000 standard seats, 180 VIP seats, and 20 presidential seats. The performance features over 600 specially trained actors, with costumes representing various ethnic groups such as the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao. The entire show lasts approximately 60 minutes, offering a spectacular celebration of the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Ticket Prices and Transportation
| Ticket Prices | Standard Adult Ticket: ¥198 VIP Adult Ticket: ¥320 Presidential Suite Ticket: ¥680 |
| Duration | The performance lasts approximately 60 minutes. Please arrive early to allow time for entry. |
| Transportation | Walking: It takes about 20 minutes to walk from West Street to the performance venue. Electric Scooter: You can take an electric scooter from the West Street entrance to the venue. The fare is ¥2 per person, but during peak seasons, it can be difficult to find a ride, with fares ranging from ¥5 to ¥10 per person. |
