Behind the Mask: A Sichuan Opera Journey
From audience to character, discover Sichuan Opera by stepping into its costumes, colors, and centuries-old traditions.
5.0
120 reviews
Costume
Stagecraft
Immersive
Performance
Duration
Approx. 4 hrs
Group Size
1-3 guests
Reservation
3 days in advance
Overview
Sichuan Opera has been part of Chengdu’s cultural landscape for centuries — a world of painted faces, elaborate costumes, dramatic movement, and extraordinary stagecraft. Here, you won’t experience it only from a theatre seat.
Step behind the scenes, choose a character, and watch yourself transform through professional makeup and traditional costume. Then meet the performers and experience the artistry of face-changing and fire-breathing from a much closer perspective.
*Scheduling note: Makeup and costume transformation can be arranged either in the morning or after 4:00 PM. For guests who would also like to attend the live Sichuan Opera performance, the transformation must be scheduled after 4:00 PM, with the show starting at 7:30 PM.
Experience Highlights
Meet Your Character
Choose a classic Sichuan Opera role and discover the character, colors, and details behind the look you’re about to step into.
The Transformation
Sit down with a professional opera makeup artist as your character begins to take shape through traditional face painting, styling, and full costume.
Step Into the Theatre
Once the transformation is complete, step into the theatre for a photo session and learn a few simple poses and movements inspired by Sichuan Opera.
Meet the Art Behind the Stage
Get closer to the performers and discover the techniques, traditions, and stagecraft that bring Sichuan Opera to life.
See the Stage Come Alive
Watch iconic Sichuan Opera skills such as face-changing and fire-breathing unfold up close — now with a very different understanding of what happens behind the performance.
A Closer Look at the Experience
From audience to character.
For a few hours, the boundary between watching and taking part disappears. Discover Sichuan Opera not only as a performance, but as something you can step into, wear, and experience for yourself.
01
CHOOSE
Traditional costume transformation
02
TRANSFORM
Professional face painting
03
STEP IN
Theatre photography session
04
DISCOVER & WATCH
Close-up Sichuan Opera performance with face-changing and fire-breathing
What’s Included & Not Included
What’s Included
- English-speaking local guide
- Sichuan Opera face painting
- Full traditional costume
- Theatre photo session
- Live Sichuan Opera performance tickets
Not Included
- Transportation to and from the venue
- Meals & drinks
- Personal expenses
- Professional photography or retouching
- Gratuities
Tour Details
Duration
Approx. 4 hrs
Start Time
By reservation
Group Size
1–4 guests
Activity Level
Cultural · Hands-on
Meeting Point
Shared after booking
Guest Reviews
5.0
· 4 User Reviews
Cheryl Tan 🇸🇬
Olivia M.🇨🇦
Good To Know
No experience needed
No performance or opera experience is required — the experience is designed for complete beginners.
The transformation takes time
Professional makeup, styling, and costume are part of the experience, so the preparation itself is part of the journey.
Character options may vary
Available roles, costumes, and styling may vary depending on the day and venue arrangements.
Performance details may shift slightly
The order and timing of face-changing, fire-breathing, and other stage elements may vary with the theatre schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my Sichuan Opera character?
Yes. You can choose from the available character styles on the day, with guidance based on costume and makeup availability.
Can I take photos and videos during the experience?
Yes, photography is welcome during most parts of the experience. Some performance moments may follow venue-specific rules.
Will I actually perform on stage?
The experience may include simple poses, movements, or stage interaction, but it is not a formal public performance.
Can I wear my own makeup before coming?
t’s best to arrive with little or no makeup so the opera makeup artist can work on a clean base. If needed, you can remove your makeup before the transformation begins.
Will I learn the secret of face-changing?
You’ll get a closer look at the tradition, performance, and artistry behind face-changing, but its protected techniques are not taught as part of the experienc
Are different costume sizes available?
A range of costumes is usually available, but specific characters, sizes, and styles depend on the venue’s collection. Sharing your approximate height and size in advance can help with preparation.
Can I wear glasses with the costume and makeup?
Yes, but you may prefer to remove them for photos. If you use contact lenses, wearing them may make the transformation and photography session more convenient.
What if I arrive late?
Because makeup, costume preparation, photography, and the performance follow a set sequence, arriving late may shorten parts of the experience. We recommend arriving a little early and contacting us as soon as possible if you’re delayed.
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