It’s no secret that Beijing is the historical and cultural heart of the vast nation of China, so it’s little wonder that there are so many live performances and shows happening all the time! Of course, unless you’re fluent in the native tongue, many of those performances may be rather confusing. Luckily, there are a number of worthwhile shows that are subtitled, or simply need little translation to be thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family.

1. Golden Mask Dynasty Show 金面王朝

Sporting a large ensemble of dancing and stunt-performing cast members, birds of paradise, real aquatic special effects, and costumes up the wazoo, the Golden Mask Dynasty show was a spectacular extravaganza. With subtitles displayed on the screens next to the stage, you’ll be able to get more than a rough understanding of the legendary tale. Truth be told, I hardly remember the story, but I remember my son and me being on the edge of our seats the whole time. One show reviewer wrote, “If I could give this show more than 5 stars I would, it is definitely a once-in-lifetime-must-watch-show, very captivating, once it starts, it just gets better and better till the end, you would not want to miss any minute of it!” 

One show is available daily from 4-5pm at the OCT Theatre outside Happy Valley, Chaoyang District

2. Flying Acrobat Show at Chaoyang Theatre 杂技飞翔

You can’t possibly leave China without having watched a live acrobatic performance, so why not watch one of the best acrobatic shows in town? The Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatic Show features tumblers, gymnasts, contortionists, and acrobats performing jaw-dropping feats of skill and finesse. Aside from stunts such as the Flying Trident, Giant Wheel of Death, and Human Pyramid on a bicycle, there’s even the Motorbike Globe featuring a – wait for it – motorcycle in a globe! This is a thrill ride for the whole family you don’t want to miss.

One show is available daily from 4-5pm at the Chaoyang Theatre

3. Flyover Experience 飞越中国

Tired of the travel restrictions and afraid you won’t see the rest of China while you’re here? Then Flyover China is the ride for you. The ride utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the ultimate feeling of flight. You’ll be whisked away on an exhilarating journey across China as you hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 25-meter spherical screen. Special effects recreate the wind-in-your-hair sensation and even your olfactory senses will be tickled! The ride may only be 11 minutes long, but you’ll feel like you just went around the whole of China in that time. As a bonus, the theatre is right next to the Shijingshan Amusement Park, which is one of Beijing’s larger theme parks (before Universal Studios opened) that’s worth a day trip while you’re there!

Shows available from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-4.30pm at Flyover the World Theatre, Shijingshan Amusement Park, Shijingshan District

4. Laoshe Tea House 老舍茶馆京味综艺演出

Looking for some authentic Chinese flavor? The Laoshe Tea House itself is a beautiful piece of living history and a testament to 1930s Chinese architecture and style. But there’s more – within these walls awaits a variety of traditional folk performances including Peking opera, hand shadow play, face changing, acrobatics, magic tricks, and even Chinese martial arts. Due to covid restrictions, the tea and pastries that are included in your ticket price cannot be consumed on the premises but can be brought home to enjoy after the show.

One show is available daily from 7.30-8.40pm during winter at Laoshe Teahouse, No.3, Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District.

To purchase tickets to these shows at a discount even compared to Dianping, contact May Zhang from Show Beijing.

Jingkids is happy to announce that we struck a deal with May to give away a pair of tickets to one of these four fantastic shows of your choice*! All you have to do is share this article on your moments with a comment about which show you want to watch and we’ll pick a lucky winner by Friday, Jan 28.

*subject to availability

KEEP READING: Your Beijing Guide to Indoor Skiing

Images: Show Beijing

At The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi), it’s all systems go as the student body, teachers, and parents alike gear up for this year’s play, to be staged on November 23. This year, students prepare to mount a large-scale stage performance of the movie The Little Shop of Horrors which was first released as a film in 1960, remade in 1982, and has enjoyed many off-Broadway revivals at the Orpheum Theatre.

It is a production which enjoys a cult following as it tells the story of an orphan called Seymour, an amateur botanist from Skid Row who rather fortuitously comes across a strange and hitherto undiscovered species of plant which might just save his boss’s failing flower shop located in a seedy part of town. After much tending to, the plant grows and exhibits a rather curious appetite for blood and later demands, in what gives this production a hilarious yet horrific turn, “Feed Me!”

From the set, props, and even the poster, the entire production’s preparation is in the hands of the student body, assisted of course by a handful of teachers. The performance itself is a hybrid of both the movie and subsequent Broadway performances, with the original characters being portrayed by several students, interspersing scenes with Broadway numbers choreographed to perfection. Watching the team rehearse is in itself a work of art.

Students from Year 7 and above all take direction from Ms. Haley, Director of Performing Arts and Producer of this show, Ms. Helen, Head of Art coordinates the prop and set design construction, and Ms. Anita, drama teacher at BSB Shunyi, who masterfully direct everything from lighting to stage marks for each actor and performing group – this is a well oiled machine which runs with military precision and surgical accuracy. Ms. Anita told me that the play has been in rehearsals since the beginning of the school term, which is wonderfully obvious. As some of the students let me know, it is a fun play to perform and unlike anything they have staged thus far. Each performer has a technique of their own to help them master their performance. One or two, like Luca Coban (Mr. Mushnik), have admitted to not watching the movie or off-Broadway performances in order to give an entirely authentic portrayal of the characters they wish to bring to life. Expert direction, dynamic vocals, choice selections of musical accompaniment and exquisite performances conspire on stage to make this production one for the books.

BSB Shunyi shines as a hotbed of student talent as the very attractive poster mounted to advertise the upcoming theatrical production was itself a result of an artistic contest within the student body. with Year 9 student Yining Zhao (Angeli) emerging the winner. Costumes are being provided by the parent community of BSB Shunyi. Anticipation for the performance is so high that the evening performance on November 23 is entirely sold out. Even though the drama team at BSB Shunyi mounts a performance each year, this year’s performance promises to be one of their best.

If you wish to book a ticket, here is some information to help you know when and how, provided by BSB Shunyi.

3 Shows available:

• Sat 23 November  2pm
• Sat 23 November 7pm SOLD OUT
• Sun 24 November 2pm

Ticket info:

Price: Adult RMB 100, Child (under 18 years old) RMB 65

Please note: We hope that everyone can have a chance to see the show.

• Ticket orders are limited to ONE performance, up to 5 tickets only.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult, and please, no children ages 0-3.
• As some themes can be scary for children, we recommend the show for Y3 (age 7) and up. Parents, please use your best judgment.

***Please note: tickets are non-refundable, and we will not process requests to swap show times.

To buy tickets, please visit our online purchase page:

1. Please click on the link or scan the QR code below.

2. Once you reach the online purchase page, please click the “Register” button in Red, fill in all the details and keep a record of your payment confirmation.

3. Please take a screenshot or save the e-mail as your ticket. We will not do paper tickets in order to be more eco-friendly.

Photos: courtesy of British School of Beijing, Shunyi.