The Legend of Romance Show and Songcheng Theme Park in Lijiang
Chinese Name: 丽江宋城千古情
English Name: The Legend of Romance Show and Songcheng Theme Park in Lijiang
Chinese Pinying: Li Jiang Song Cheng Qian Gu qing
Location: No.88 Yuxing West Road, Yulong County, Lijiang
Performance Times: 1:00PM, 9:00 PM
Prices of tickets: 280 Yuan for ordinary seat, 290 Yuan for confortable seat, 380 Yuan for luxury seat
The Legend of Romance Show
The tourist area is 6 kilometers away from Lijiang Old Town. With an investment of 1 billion yuan ($161.4 million) by Hangzhou Songcheng Tourism Development Co, the tourist area includes five theme parks that feature local cultural characteristics, including Tea Horse Ancient Town, and The Legend of Romance, one of 10 shows that fuse technology and culture. Tourists can now enjoy a one-stop travel experience in the area.
The Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area is one of Yunnan’s key cultural projects. It includes dining, hotels, travel, shopping and entertainment. It has become a new operating model for various tourist areas. According to the professional opinions, the tourist area’s settlement in Yunnan will bring the catfish effect-which means the effect that a strong competitor has in causing the weak to improve themselves- to the local tourism market’s development.
The impressive large scale song and dance performance “The Legend of Romance Lijiang” was created by China’s Songcheng Entertainment and is comprised using the rich culture and heritage of Lijiang, the performance has also been praised as the “Soul of Lijiang”. The show utilises IMAX 3D technology and is made up of the following scenes: Naxi Genesis, Kingdom of Females Lugu, Legend Horse Caravan, Revived Ancient Tea Route, Third Kingdom of Jade and Searching for Shambhala.
Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area is a project by Songcheng Performance, the first listed performance company in China. Located 6 kilometers from the ancient city of Lijiang, the scenic area is near the natural beauty of Wenbi Sea and offers stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With a prime geographic location, the park focuses on Lijiang’s ethnic and regional culture, centering around the grand dance drama “Lijiang Eternal Love.” This performance showcases a thousand years of Lijiang’s history and cultural heritage. The main attractions of the park include the Tea Horse Ancient Street, Nacuo Sea, Snow Mountain Beach, Ethnic Villages, and the Eternal Love Square.
Scenic Area Overview
The Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area features several themed zones: Tea Horse Ancient Street, Nacuo Sea, Snow Mountain Beach, Ethnic Villages, and the Eternal Love Square.
Opening Hours
Please check the official website for the current opening hours as they may vary.
Key Attractions
Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area: Lijiang rose to prominence because of the Tea Horse Road, a network of ancient trade routes. The scenic area recreates a living ancient Tea Horse city. Walking through Tea Horse Ancient Street, the Horse Gang Square, and Dai Village, visitors will encounter traditional workshops such as wine-making, tofu, tea houses, and blacksmith shops. The air is filled with the nostalgic sounds of horse bells, the clanging of iron in the blacksmith’s forge, and the lively trade at the Tea Horse market. The aromas of butter tea, roasted meat, and sweet flower cakes invite you on a journey through time along the Tea Horse Road.
Outdoor Performances
Signature shows like “Lijiang Eternal Love” and “Lijiang Love Songs” are complemented by performances such as “Mu’s Palace Son-in-Law,” ethnic flash mobs, Guozhuang dance parties, and roaming singers. These performances vary in style, ranging from grand and awe-inspiring to poignant and humorous, offering a vivid portrayal of Lijiang’s history and culture. Audience participation is encouraged, allowing visitors to dance and sing along, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere.
Large-Scale Dance Performance
The grand dance drama “Lijiang Eternal Love” captures the essence of Lijiang’s culture, depicting long-standing historical and legendary stories such as “The Naxi Genesis,” “The Kingdom of Women at Lugu Lake,” “The Legend of the Horse Caravan,” “The Glory of Mu’s Palace,” and “The Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon.” This performance takes the audience on a journey across snowy mountains, primeval landscapes, the shores of Lugu Lake, the rugged Tea Horse Road, and the romantic yet tragic Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon. It’s a chance to experience a timeless tale of beauty.
The show incorporates elements of dance, acrobatics, martial arts, stage machinery, panoramic special effects, and installation art. The production features high-tech effects combined with traditional art forms, portraying a cultural legend filled with spirit and emotion, life and death, love and passion. Scenes include giant birds rescuing ancestors, high-altitude stunts, water mines, floods, waterfalls, rain curtains, and large-scale snow mountain models. The number of performances may vary based on demand; please check the official website for updates.
Segments of “Lijiang Eternal Love”
- Prologue: The Naxi Genesis: The Naxi people, an ancient and wise ethnic group, created the splendid Dongba culture despite challenging living conditions in antiquity.
- Act One: The Kingdom of Women at Lugu Lake: Set against the serene and beautiful Lugu Lake, this act presents the mystical Kingdom of Women. The Mosuo people, a branch of the Naxi, still practice the unique “walking marriage,” a matrilineal tradition where men do not marry, and women do not wed.
- Act Two: The Legend of the Horse Caravan: Lijiang’s fame is intricately tied to the Tea Horse Road. The city’s prosperity was forged by the relentless efforts of horse caravans navigating treacherous paths. This act showcases the epic journeys of these caravans, tasked with transporting goods for the court and Mu’s Palace.
- Act Three: The Ancient Road in Modern Times: Generations of horse caravans have sustained the Tea Horse Road, known as the “Southern Silk Road.” As a distinctive hub along this route, Lijiang blossomed into a melting pot of cultures, with bustling markets and vibrant performances.
- Act Four: The Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon: The Naxi people cherish freedom in love. Transitioning from the traditional “walking marriage” to arranged marriages brought heartache and tragedy. It’s said that 30,000 Naxi youth historically sacrificed themselves for love, journeying to the pure and pristine “Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon.”
- Finale: Seeking Shangri-La: As seasons change and stars align, we emerge from the pages of history. Snow-capped mountains and ancient towns endure. Each year, millions of visitors gather in Lijiang, moved by stories of eternal love and inspired by the ideals of romantic freedom, seeking their own personal Shangri-La.
Live Performance
The grand live performance, “Lijiang Love Songs,” tells the poignant love story of a Tibetan youth named Abuda and a Naxi girl named Gajimi. Set in an outdoor theater equipped to handle all weather conditions, the show immerses visitors in a world of visual and auditory wonder. Highlights include volcanic eruptions that shoot flames over ten meters high, daring stunts, and majestic dances performed by various ethnic groups. This show is a cultural feast set against the backdrop of Yunnan’s rich artistic heritage. Due to weather conditions, the program might be altered, delayed, or canceled without prior notice. Please refer to the park’s daily announcements.
Tour Activities
Lijiang River: The river meanders through the Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area, connecting Nacuo Village, Wa Village, Mosuo Village, Nacuo Sea, the Tea Horse Ancient City, and Dai Village like pearls on a necklace. Along the Tea Horse Road, one can hear the constant clinking of horse bells and see the smoke rising from the village chimneys, accompanied by the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking. In the ancient city, tall watchtowers rise, and trade thrives. The banks of the river are adorned with flowers and weeping willows, while folk parades and love songs resonate above the Lijiang River, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape.
Nacuo Sea: In ancient times, the people of Lijiang longed for the sea and referred to lakes as “seas.” Nacuo Sea, with its sparkling blue waters, reflects the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, creating a dreamlike setting. The area is surrounded by Mosuo villages, Nacuo Village, sandy beaches, and pastoral meadows.
Snow Mountain Beach: Covering nearly 10,000 square meters, Snow Mountain Beach is one of China’s highest-altitude beaches. Visitors can bask in the sun, embrace the cool waters, and stroll along the sandy shores. You can bring your favorite book and quietly read by the beach or gaze at the blue sky and serene clouds. The distant tents and prayer flags add to the tranquil ambiance, creating a refreshing sense of calm. Evening beach concerts offer a chance to unleash your passion.
Mosuo Village: The Mosuo people, a branch of the Naxi ethnic group, primarily reside around Lugu Lake. Known as one of China’s remaining matriarchal societies, the highest authority in a Mosuo household is the grandmother, who lives in the “Grandmother House.” They practice a unique “walking marriage” system where men do not marry, and women do not wed. The practice, known as “climbing the flower house,” involves men sneaking into a woman’s room at night and leaving before the elders wake up in the morning. This custom is linked to their traditional livelihood as horse caravan traders along the Tea Horse Road.
Lijiang Eternal Love Grand Theater: Standing 25 meters tall with a circumference of 500 meters, the theater’s exterior design draws inspiration from Lijiang’s love stories and Naxi script. The bold red theme stands out against the blue sky and white clouds. The theater’s architectural design incorporates Naxi pictographs, representing lovers singing and dancing in nature, observed by the sun and moon, reflecting the essence of Dongba culture.
Horse Gang Square: This is a market area along the Tea Horse Road. The square is shaded with umbrellas, crowded with traders, and bustling with activity. Surrounding the square are traditional workshops like Naxi wine houses, cured meat shops, papermaking studios, and tofu shops. Strolling through the square, you can feel transported back in time, as if you’ve returned to Lijiang’s ancient Sifang Street from a hundred years ago.
Dai Village: The Dai people primarily inhabit southern Yunnan, at the starting point of the Tea Horse Road. Their traditional residences are mainly stilt houses (known as “ganlan”), with two floors made of wood and bamboo. The upper floor serves as the living area, while the lower floor is used for livestock and storage. The structure keeps the living area dry and cool.
Watchtowers: From miles away, visitors can see the two towering Tibetan watchtowers, creating a striking visual impact. Elevators inside the towers allow visitors to reach the top, offering panoramic views of Lijiang Ancient Town, Wenbi Sea, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
White Stupa: Tibetan white stupas have profound symbolic meanings and are believed to bring blessings and protection. In the Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area, visitors often circle the white stupa while turning prayer wheels, seeking blessings for peace and safety.
Ancient City Wall: The city wall is made of local materials such as stone, earth, and wood. It stands tall and sturdy, showcasing ancient architectural styles.
Mountains and Villages: The scenic area includes mountains that reflect Lijiang’s unique geographic and cultural features. Traditional villages such as Nacuo, Dai, Mosuo, and Naxi showcase ethnic cultural elements.
Contact Information
- Address: 100 meters east of Nacuo Village, Shuiche Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China
- Phone: (+86) 400-888-8518
How to get to the Legend of Romance Show and Songcheng Theme Park
Lijiang is conveniently connected via air, road, and rail. From Lijiang city, visitors can reach the scenic area by taxi or public transportation.
Nearby Scenic Areas:
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Lugu Lake
- Lijiang Ancient Town
- Baisha Ancient Town
- Black Dragon Pool
- Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Wenhai Village
- Yuhu Village
- Yulong Snow Mountain Ganhaizi Meadow
- Yunshan Ping
Tips for Visitors:
- Check the weather forecast before visiting, as some outdoor activities may be weather-dependent.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a hat or sunscreen for sun protection.
- Plan your visit to include time for the grand performance “Lijiang Eternal Love” to get the full cultural experience.
- Consider visiting during festivals or special events to enjoy additional cultural performances and activities.
Transportation:
1. People can take No.16 bus from bus stations to Gong Ji Jin Guan Li Zhong Xin Station(公积金管理中心站), and people can walk there with 200 meters, or people can take No.23 bus to get to the Songcheng Theme Park.
2. There are some shuttle buses from Lijiang Ancient Town and Shuhe Ancient Town to get to the Songcheng Theme Park. People can take them for free by using the QR code message that comes from the Songcheng Theme Park.
【Departure Time from Lijiang Ancient Town】: 13:30、13:50、14:10、14:30、14:40、15:00、15:20、15:40、16:10、16:30、16:50、17:10
【Departure Time from Shuhe Ancient Town】：13:55（North Gate Parking Lot）—14:10（Main Gate Parking Lot），16:30（North Gate Parking Lot）—16:45（Main Gate Parking Lot）
Recommended Accommodation
3.Lijiang Wangfu Hotel(丽江王府饭店)
Lijiang Wangfu Hotel is located in the South Gate Square in Old Town. Featuring colorful traditional Chinese architecture and décor, it offers rooms with flat-screen TVs and free internet. Guest can enjoy Naxi bonfire party every Friday. The hotel provides car rental and concierge services. A tour desk can help with travel and sightseeing arrangements.
4.Manty House(漫庭美宿酒店)
Situated in Lijiang, this inn is within a 15-minute walk of Mu Family Mansion, Dayan and Wang Gu Lou. It features a restaurant, a bar/lounge and coffee/tea in a common area. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include dry cleaning, a 24-hour front desk and tour/ticket assistance.
5.Lijiang International Hotel(丽江国际大酒店)
Lijiang International Hotel is located in Lijiang, 400 m from Wangu Pavilion and 600 m from Square Street Dayan Ancient Town. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. You will find a coffee machine in the room. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers.
Tips for tourists to the Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area
Tourists can visit five theme parks and 10 shows in the Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area with a through ticket. The through ticket is valid for two days, and tourists can enter and exit the area with fingerprint identification during the two days.
Other Attractions
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Course
