Overview
The Charming Xiangxi Show, hosted at the Charming Xiangxi Grand Theater in Wulingyuan District, is a flagship cultural performance in Zhangjiajie. Launched in 2000 by Charming Cultural Travel Development Co., Ltd., it celebrates the heritage of Hunan’s ethnic minorities, particularly the Tujia and Miao people. The show’s 2017 upgrade, led by director Feng Xiaogang (Hero, The Banquet) and music director Liu Huan, integrated advanced stage technology, earning titles like "China Famous Brand" and UNESCO-recognized cultural status.
Performance Highlights
- Four Themes: Divided into Romantic Xiangxi (love songs), Mysterious Xiangxi (Tujia sacrificial rituals), Passionate Xiangxi (drum dances), and Happy Xiangxi (festive celebrations).
- Signature Acts:
- Fire Drum: A high-energy Miao drum dance.
- Crying Marriage Ceremony: A Tujia wedding tradition where brides "weep" before leaving home.
- Maogusi Dance: An ancient Miao harvest dance with masked performers.
- Stunt Shows: "Climbing a Mountain of Knives" and "Walking on Fire" performed outdoors.
- Awards: National AAA-rated tourist attraction, "Top 10 China Tourism Performing Arts Organizations," and featured on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala (2012).
Cultural Significance
The show preserves endangered folk arts, such as Tujia Hand-Waving Dance and Miao Silver Ornament Crafting, while blending them with modern theater. It also collaborates with local villages to train ethnic performers, ensuring authenticity.
Visitor Experience
- Timing: Nightly shows at 19:30, 21:00, and 22:30 (80 minutes each); peak seasons may add extra shows.
- Tickets: Zone A (¥308), Zone B (¥268), Zone C (¥198); discounts for groups.
- Location: Charming Xiangxi International Culture Square, a 10-minute drive from Zhangjiajie downtown.
- Tips: Book ahead during holidays (e.g., Spring Festival) when attendance hits 8,000+ nightly.
Conservation & Global Reach
As part of Wulingyuan’s UNESCO site, the show adheres to eco-friendly practices. It has toured Italy, Malta, and Iraq for cultural exchanges, promoting Hunan’s heritage globally.
Quote: "No visit to Zhangjiajie is complete without experiencing Charming Xiangxi—it’s the soul of Wulingyuan’s nights." — Hunan Daily.
