Huguang Guild Hall (Huguang Huiguan Xilou)

This combination museum-theater, housed in a complex of traditional buildings with gray tile roofs and bright red gables, has a connection with Beijing Opera dating back to 1830. To the right of the main entrance is a small museum filled with old opera robes and photos of famous performers (including the legendary Mei Lanfang), probably interesting only to aficionados. On the left is the expertly restored theater, a riot of color with a beautifully adorned traditional stage, paper lanterns hung from the high ceilings, and gallery seating on all three sides. Subtitles are in Chinese only, but brochures contain brief plot explanations in English. Performances take place nightly at 7:30pm. Hufang Lu 3 (at intersection with Luomashi Dajie; plaza out front contains colorful opera mask sculpture). tel. 010/6352-9134. Tickets ¥150-¥580. Metro: Heping Men; walk south 10 min.

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