Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show
The Impressions of Lijiang show is set at over 3,000 metres on a large open-air stage in the Blue Moon Valley, with Yulong Snow Mountain in the background. The show shares the ethnic traditions of Lijiang through song, dance and horsemanship by local performers in traditional costume, played out across a wide stage set against the mountain.
What is the Impressions of Lijiang Show?
Impressions of Lijiang Show is directed by Zhang Yimou and performed by local people of Lijiang, drawing on the traditions of the Naxi, Yi and Bai people. It is performed in an outdoor theatre at 3,100 metres above sea level, with clear views of Yulong Snow Mountain.
The show has six acts, opening with the story of the Ancient Tea Horse Road and continuing with stories of local ethnic groups.
What makes the Impressions of Lijiang Show unique
The Impressions of Lijiang Show stands out for its scale, with hundreds of performers moving across the wide, open stage. The red-rock stage stands out against the mountain backdrop, inspired by the red sand and stone symbolic of the Yunnan Plateau.
The show consists of around 500 local people from the Lijiang region, dressed in traditional costumes.
Time at Impressions of Lijiang Show
The one-hour show is set on a large layered red-rock stage which creates a contrast with the open sky and mountain landscape.
The first act tells the story of the Tea Horse Road, with performers riding horses and performing traditional dance across the stage. The following acts focus on the traditions of the Naxi and other local groups, through local legends and traditional dances and themes exploring their connection to the land.
When to see it
The show runs at 11am and 2pm, with an added 9am show during peak seasons.
Spring and Autumn offer generally milder weather and clear views of the Yulong Snow Mountain in the background.
As the show is performed in an open theatre, it may be cancelled in heavy rain. It is recommended to bring a raincoat for lighter rain and wear sun protection as it is performed during the day and the high-altitude sun can be intense.
Is the Impressions of Lijiang Show right for your trip?
The show is completely in Mandarin, however the visual nature of the show helps non-Mandarin speakers follow the general story. The experience is more about the atmosphere, including the singing, dancing, costumes and setting than following a structured plot.
The show is often included in a day trip from Lijiang combined with surrounding destinations such as Spruce Meadow and Blue Moon Pools.
Impressions of Lijiang with Wonders of Yunnan
When designing a journey in northwestern Yunnan, the Impressions of Lijiang show is often part of time in Lijiang. It is usually included in the morning of a day trip from the Old Town, combined with other destinations in the Yulong Snow Mountain.
The show offers travellers an introduction to their day in the mountains, understanding more about the history and story of the local Naxi, Bai and Yi people.
If you are planning a journey through Yunnan, you can explore how the Impressions of Lijiang Show fits into time in Lijiang.