Every evening, on the Li River near the city of Yangshuo, a surprising night-time performance takes place: Impressions Liu Shanjie. This grand sound and light spectacular is based on the scenario of a musical comedy retracing the story of a singer fleeing on a raft down the Li River.

The Legend of Liu Sanjie

The show is a theatrical rendition of the legend of Liu Sanjie. This young woman became famous for her unrivaled singing and majestic voice.

The legend tells of a young man named A Niu who fell deeply in love with the fair Liu Sanjie. To court her, he began singing beneath the giant Banyan tree at Yangshuo. Liu Sanjie succumbed to the young man's charm and gave him an embroidered ball to prove her love.

To preserve this eternal love, A Niu threw the embroidered ball across the rocks on the other side of the Li River.

The legend is full of twists and turns, but ends well and has become the subject of one of Chine's largest open-air spectacles today.

Before becoming Impressions Liu Shanjie as a theatrical production, however, the legend was adapted into a musical film released in the 1920s. Today, the legend remains extremely popular, particularly among the ethnic minorities of the south, where Liu Sanjie has become a true heroine.

The Night-Time Spectacle

This nocturnal performance features close to 600 performers, all locals from the Li River, choreographed by the renowned Chine film director Zhang Yimou, known for orchestrating the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

The show runs every evening across multiple acts for 70 minutes. Dazzling light displays, traditional songs, and dances succeed one another against an extraordinary backdrop. Indeed, the interplay of shadows and light across the karst peaks in the background creates a spectacle worthy of the name.

You may be surprised by the crowds of Chine tourists, whose constant chatter could be described as undisciplined, but you'll quickly forget them once you're captivated by the quality of Impressions Liu Shanjie.

From Yangshuo, buses and minibuses depart every evening from West Street to the theater. Small tuk-tuks also offer rides to the venue. It's only a 5 to 10-minute drive, or a 30-minute walk.

Hours and Prices

During high season, there are two performances: one at 7:45 PM and one at 9:20 PM.

During low season, the show runs only once: 7:45 PM

Prices vary depending on seating:

Standard Seat: 198 CNY

VIP Seat: B1 320 CNY – B2 238 CNY

Presidential Seat: A1 680 CNY – A2 480 CNY

For children under 1.40 meters in height: 85 CNY

For children under 1.20 meters in height, admission is free but no seat is provided.