Impression Sanjie Liu Tours and Activities

Impression Sanjie Liu is a unique outdoor night show directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou and staged at the Li River in Yangshuo. In the world’s largest natural theater, Yimou uses the river as a stage and the mist-shrouded karsts as a backdrop for a spectacle of light, sound, and intricate choreography.
 
The Basics
This show tells the story of Sanjie Liu, a mythological girl from China’s Zhuang ethnic group. The hourlong performance, designed to reveal the history and culture of Yangshuo’s people, is divided into five chapters, each with a different color scheme and theme. Visitors choose from three seat categories and can purchase tickets that include round-trip transportation from Yangshuo. An evening performance can be combined with a full-day tour of Guilin and Yangshuo.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• Impression Sanjie Liu is a must-see for first time visitors to the province.
• Seating is outdoors, so be sure to bring a rain jacket and insect repellent.
• Shows might be canceled in the event of heavy rain.

 
How to Get There
The theater entrance is situated on East Street in Yangshuo, a 30-minute walk from the busy West Street area and a 90-minute drive from Guilin.
 
When to Get There
Performances are staged twice nightly throughout the year, except for the month leading up to Lunar New Year. If you’re planning to see a performance on a weekend or Chinese national holiday, be sure to book your tickets in advance.
 
The Legend of Liu Sanjie
According to local legend, the young girl Liu Sanjie had an almost supernatural ability to sing. She fell for a boy named A Niu, who would sing back to her beneath a big banyan tree near Yangshuo. Unlike some legends, this one has a happy ending, as the two fell in love and lived out their days singing to each other.