The epitome of Shanxi operas
The environment is very good, quaint, good tea, and they also provide complimentary dried fruits. You need to refill the water by yourself. The prices for the evaluation drama vary from 40 to 100 yuan, and for every three songs ordered, they will give you one for free. There are real-time subtitles, so even if you don't understand Suzhou dialect, you can still enjoy it. The masters are very professional and dedicated. The boss lady is the original singer of the theme song from "The City of Golden Armor," but she does not often perform on stage. The service attitude is very good, but it's more crowded on Sundays.
Lanya Quyuan Theater
The Bluegrass Garden Theater is located at No. 38, Dajuyuan Lane, Pingjiang Road, Suzhou, known as the "microcosm of Suzhou ancient city". It is a garden-style theater with elegant surroundings. The theater stage and environment are simple and tranquil, making it an ideal place for tea tasting and music appreciation. The Bluegrass Garden Theater has a profound cultural heritage and is also the former site of the ancient Zhaoqing Temple. Here, you can enjoy authentic traditional Suzhou Kunqu opera. Whether it's watching Kunqu opera, listening to Pingtan storytelling, appreciating ancient Qin music, tasting Suzhou cuisine, or experiencing classical arts such as panoramic Kunqu opera, the Bluegrass Garden Theater is a top choice. It would be a regret not to visit Tiger Hill in Suzhou, and an even greater regret not to listen to Kunqu opera.
Guangyu Bookstore
Guangyu Bookstore, formerly known as "Guangyu Public Office" and later renamed "Guangyu Society" in 1912, was originally a guild organization of Suzhou Pingtan artists. It was established in 1776 (41st year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign) and symbolized the meaning of "prosperity before light". The gatehouse from the Qing Dynasty, the 150th anniversary commemorative stone pillar, and the monument corridor displaying the history of Pingtan are well-preserved. Guangyu Society laid the foundation for improving the status of Pingtan artists and the development of Pingtan art. It is the earliest and longest-lasting guild organization in the Pingtan industry, with the largest number of participating actors. Over the past two hundred years, Guangyu Society has produced numerous renowned artists and diverse schools, earning the reputation of "Guangyu, the place where the sound of a thousand miles of books is heard."
Located on Shantang Street, with a quaint environment and well-handled lighting, the Shan Tang Kunqu Opera Museum presents projections on screens to explain the history of Kunqu Opera during different intervals, creating a dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere. The museum features daily performances of classic Kunqu Opera excerpts, interspersed with traditional and modern programs showcasing Suzhou Pingtan, Guzheng performances, and comedic plays, all showcasing the charming characteristics of the region.
Shantang Academy is a place where you can enjoy tea, listen to Kunqu opera, read books and appreciate the architecture.
Kun Theatre
The Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater is located near Taohuawu and Tang Bohu's former residence. In recent years, the theater has gained more popularity with the launch of the large-scale Kunqu operas "The Peony Pavilion" and "The Palace of Eternal Life". The theater also has the Orchid Charm Theater, which is not frequently used for performances but is usually used for troupe rehearsals.
"Suzhou Pingtan Museum holds more than 12,000 precious historical materials related to Pingtan, including hundreds of rare editions and scripts. The exhibition mainly showcases physical objects and audiovisual materials related to the history of Pingtan, and uses modern technology to restore and display the famous artists, schools, and artistic performance characteristics of Suzhou Pingtan."
Wangshi Garden is a typical Suzhou garden, with an area less than one-sixth of Zhuozheng Garden's, but through clever layout, it makes the small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers not appear cramped, and it is an example of "seeing the big in the small". In addition to understanding the layout's secrets, another major feature here is the opportunity to enjoy traditional Chinese performing arts at night when the garden is open.
The Floating Life in Six Acts at Canglang Pavilion, Kunqu Opera
"The Six Records of a Floating Life" is an autobiographical prose written by Shen Fu, a literati from Suzhou, during the 13th year of the Jiaqing reign in the Qing Dynasty (1808). The protagonist, Shen Fu, reminisces about his life growing up in a scholarly family near the Canglang Pavilion in the southern part of the ancient city of Suzhou. He first meets his cousin's daughter, Chen Yun, and they fall in love. They eventually marry and live a harmonious and deeply loving life together, disregarding societal expectations. However, their happiness is interrupted when Yun falls ill and passes away. Devastated by her death, Shen Fu embarks on a nomadic journey, during which he writes "The Six Records of a Floating Life" to console himself and reflect on the separation caused by life and death.
Pipa Language Evaluation and Performance Art Museum
The Pipa Language Peking Opera Art Gallery is located at 202 Pingjiang Road, Suzhou. It features a winding path, ancient buildings, and a peaceful ambiance, allowing visitors to enjoy tea and listen to the sound of Suzhou.
