Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower in Beijing
Overview
Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower (正乙祠戏楼) is located at 220 Qianmen West Riverbank (前門西河沿), adjacent to Tiananmen Square (天安門廣場) to the east and connecting to Liulichang Cultural Street (琉璃廠文化街) to the south. Originally built as an ancient temple during the Ming Dynasty, it boasts a rich history spanning over 300 years. This opera tower, known as the “living fossil of Chinese opera towers,” is the oldest well-preserved wooden structure of its kind in China. It has witnessed the entire journey of Peking Opera (京劇), from its inception and development to its peak. Many renowned performers from the world of traditional Chinese opera have graced its stage.
Recent Developments
In May 2023, the Beijing Cultural and Tourism Bureau (北京市文化和旅游局) launched the city’s first performing arts space cultivation project, introducing 15 selected venues. Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower was chosen as part of this initiative in September, receiving support for its development as a performing arts space.
On April 19, 2022, Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower reopened its doors. This revival brought together the six-hundred-year history of Kunqu Opera (昆曲) with the tower’s 350 years as the first indoor theater constructed entirely of wood. It serves as a space that integrates intangible cultural heritage with tangible cultural heritage, recreating the original ecology and aesthetics of traditional Chinese opera.
Visiting the Opera Tower
Upon turning into Qianmen West Riverbank from Nanjing Xinhua Street (南新华街), visitors will find two stone lions guarding a courtyard within 500 meters. A black plaque in the center bears the name “Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower” in golden characters.
Inside the Opera Tower
Entering the tower reveals a small courtyard, with rooms extending symmetrically from a central hall, featuring green window frames, red columns, and colorful beams. As visitors pass through the central hall, they enter a dimly lit space where a two-story stage merges with the hall. Sunlight filters through the side windows, illuminating the stage adorned with golden characters proclaiming “Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower” and colorful beams at the roof’s edge. The scent of aged wood permeates the air.
The couplet displayed on the pillars references four Kunqu operas: “Butterfly Dream” (蝴蝶梦), “Pipa Record” (琵琶记), “Peach Blossom Fan” (桃花扇), and “Swallow Note” (燕子笺), underscoring the opera tower’s deep connection to Kunqu.
Historical Significance
Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower, established 350 years ago, is recognized as the oldest well-preserved wooden opera tower in China and the first fully wooden indoor theater in history. It has served as the birthplace of Kunqu, often hailed as the “ancestor of all operas.” Esteemed performers such as Tan Xinpei (谭鑫培), Cheng Changgen (程长庚), and Mei Lanfang (梅兰芳) have all performed here, marking the tower as a witness to the birth and evolution of Peking Opera.
After being managed by the Northern Kunqu Theatre (北方昆曲剧院) in 2019, Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower has become a vibrant space that integrates Kunqu, an intangible cultural heritage, with the ancient opera stage, a tangible cultural heritage.
A Unique Experience
Standing in the historical continuum, Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower may seem like a traditional venue, yet it offers a fresh and immersive viewing experience. Visitors step into a courtyard and encounter a rich tapestry of tradition and modernity.
Reviving Tradition with Innovation
The opera tower not only embodies the cultural value of an ancient stage but also strives to maintain the high-quality aesthetics of traditional Chinese art. It explores innovative ways to blend ancient and modern performances, creating a dynamic platform for traditional Chinese opera.
Commitment to Quality
The team at Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower is dedicated to presenting high-quality content that honors the venue’s 350-year legacy while respecting its audience. They emphasize maintaining the traditional performing styles and offer an immersive experience that resonates with the original essence of Chinese opera.
Modern Integration
Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower combines traditional performance techniques with modern technology to enhance the audience’s experience. The stage retains its historical character while incorporating advanced audio-visual technologies, creating a contemporary yet respectful homage to traditional Chinese art forms.
Cultural Consumption Experience
The opera tower prioritizes audience engagement, creating a unique atmosphere from the moment visitors enter. Special rituals, such as three knocks of a gong to signal the start of a performance, set the tone for a reflective experience. Guests are also presented with custom-made silver tickets and elegant envelopes featuring the opera tower’s logo.
The Window to Traditional Chinese Opera Culture
As a cultural landmark on Beijing’s central axis, Zhengyi Temple Opera Tower serves as a gateway to traditional Chinese opera. It continually seeks to influence various art forms while inviting a wider audience to appreciate the beauty of traditional opera through its high-quality productions.
