Impression Wulong is a large-scale real-scene show that has captivated audiences in Chongqing. It stands as a vibrant showcase of the national intangible cultural heritage, the “Chuanjiang Haozi,” a folk singing tradition from the banks of the Yangtze River. 

Actors perform at the real-scene show Impression Wulong in the Peach Garden Canyon in the Wulong District of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Wang Quanchao, Xinhua)

This performance brings together the unique cultural resources of Wulong, including the Ba people’s ancient heritage, the landscape’s natural beauty, and the region’s historical evolution. It melds millennia-old folk traditions like Haozi and the wedding lament with quintessentially Chongqing elements such as porters (or bangbang), bamboo poles, and spicy hotpot, set against the authentic backdrop of local mountains and rivers. Drawing from the daily life, customs, historical and cultural narratives, and beautiful legends of the local people, it offers a real-life window into the distinct Haozi culture of the Bayu region.

Actors perform at the real-scene show Impression Wulong in the Peach Garden Canyon in the Wulong District of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Xinhua)

Crafted by the celebrated team of Impression Series, Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge, and Fan Yue. Impression Wulong features nearly 200 performers who bring to life the fading tradition of Haozi in a heartfelt performance. Within 70 minutes, audiences are immersed in the stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural ambiance of the Bashu lands. The theater is ingeniously located in the Peach Garden Canyon (Taoyuan Grand Canyon) in the Wulong District of Chongqing. Its “U-shaped” canyon, with a vertical drop of about 200 meters, offers a mystical view of distant mountains and a majestic close-up of nature, providing an unmatched ecological backdrop for the performance. With 2,688 seats, the theater’s design integrates the stage and stands, allowing for intimate interactions between actors and the audience.

Actors perform at the real-scene show Impression Wulong in the Peach Garden Canyon in the Wulong District of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Han Ye, Xinhua)

Since its global debut on April 23, 2012, Impression Wulong has hosted over 3,400 performances, welcomed nearly 4 million visitors, and earned its reputation as a must-see attraction. It reflects the enduring spirit of the people along the river, embodying their resilience, optimism, and hardworking nature. As traditional labor songs fade into history, Impression Wulong offers a new path for preserving the Haozi tradition.

Performance Times and Location:

Performance schedules vary with the seasons. For the latest information, follow the official WeChat account (ID: yxwulong) or call the hotline. The show is held in the Peach Garden Canyon in the Wulong District of Chongqing.

Hotlines: 

023-87706678, 023-87707678

Ticket Information:

Online:

- Through the official WeChat account “印象武隆” (ID: yxwulong) at the reservation center.

- Wulong Scenic Aarea’s WeChat account “武隆景区” (ID: wlly517) for quick booking.

- Various online platforms.

Offline:

- Direct purchase at the reception center or the Impression Wulong Theater ticket office.

- Through Impression Wulong ticket agents.

(Please note: Tickets purchased online or via WeChat must be picked up at the Impression Wulong Theater Ticket Center with an ID card. Entry is by ID card, and seats are assigned upon entry, so be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Children under 1.2 meters in height do not need a ticket when accompanied by an adult but will not have a separate seat.)

Getting There:

By Car:

Drive from Chongqing to the Peach Garden Canyon, Fairy Mountain (Xiannyushan) Street, Wulong District. Parking is available at the Impression Wulong Theater.

Public Transportation:

From Wulong Bus Station, take a bus directly to Fairy Mountain (Xiannyushan) Street, then transfer to the shuttle bus at the reception center that goes directly to the Impression Wulong Theater.

This article is updated on March 29, 2024.