Tiandi Theatre Acrobatic Show
Tiandi Theatre Acrobatic Show
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
80 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
26
Average
4
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3
Terrible
1
jrissman
Oakland, CA30 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
In Beijing, there are three nightly acrobatics shows at different theaters: one at the Chaoyang Theater, one at the Tiandi Theater, and one at the Tianqiao Theater. On my most recent trip to Beijing, I saw the shows at the Chowyang and the Tiandi. In this review, I'll compare the two shows I saw, then provide more detail about the Tiandi show. (For those pressed for time, the upshot is that I recommend the Tiandi show over the Chowyang show.)
Similarities: Both the Tiandi and Chowyang shows are roughly an hour and twenty minutes, plus a ten-minute intermission. They each feature eight main acts, four before and four after intermission. Both shows are primarily attended by tour groups; I was unusual in that I was an individual attendee. Across the two shows, five of the eight acts use the same apparatuses and feature the same sorts of tricks. Both are appropriate for all ages. Both theaters are located near to metro stops on the east side of the city.
Differences: The shows have different themes. The Chowyang show is vaguely themed around Imperial China, while the Tiandi show is themed around a clown who recovers treasures from ancient temples, like Indiana Jones. The Chowyang show uses larger and more elaborate equipment for two of its acts: a giant spinning device with two rings and motorcycles driving inside a steel sphere. The Tiandi show does not use any large-scale or motorized equipment. The skill of the performers was a little greater at the Tiandi show, where the performance was smoother and the tricks were slightly more difficult. The Chowyang show plays three times per night, while the Tiandi show plays only once per night. Despite this, the Chowyang show was far more crowded. Lastly, the Chowyang show features numerous souvenir stands in the lobby, while the Tiandi show does not.
I list the Tiandi show's acts below. When I know the actual name of the act, I use that name in quotes- otherwise, I name it after the main activity performed. The act is followed by an asterisk if a similar act was featured at the Tiandi show.
Tightrope (the protagonist seeks to gain access to a jungle temple by walking along a vine)
"Ghost Crown" (the clown tries to steal a crown from a group of agile skeletons, who perform gymnastics jumps through rings)*
"Ancient Light" (a contortion and balance act; a ritual fire is guarded by priestesses)*
"Dragonball" (a dragon performs feats of juggling on an elevated platform)
-- Intermission --
"Jungle Treasure" (a Chinese pole act; ferocious jungle creatures guard a treasure chest)
Diabolo (women perform tumbling and tricks with the diabolo)*
"Snake's Diamond" (one-handed handstand and contortion; a snake guards a diamond)*
Bicycles (women carrying fans perform tricks on bicycles)*
I particularly enjoyed the Tiandi show. The performance combines top-notch circus and gymnastics with inventive costumes, moving computer-animated backdrops and an amusing if simple plotline. The performers did a stellar job, with only one mistake (a single dropped ball in the juggling act) on the night I saw the show. I appreciate their desire to choose an inventive theme, rather than a more generic one, such as the Imperial China theme of the Chowyang show. I thought the strongest act in the show was "Ghost Crown," which featured spectacular gymnastics and a strong link to the plotline. "Jungle Treature" is also very strong.
I think both shows are enjoyable and you cannot go wrong with either one. However, if I am to recommend one, I think the Tiandi show is the clear winner. Since five of the acts use the same apparatus and mostly the same tricks between the two shows, I generally would not recommend seeing both, unless you have a particular interest in circus arts or acrobatics.
Similarities: Both the Tiandi and Chowyang shows are roughly an hour and twenty minutes, plus a ten-minute intermission. They each feature eight main acts, four before and four after intermission. Both shows are primarily attended by tour groups; I was unusual in that I was an individual attendee. Across the two shows, five of the eight acts use the same apparatuses and feature the same sorts of tricks. Both are appropriate for all ages. Both theaters are located near to metro stops on the east side of the city.
Differences: The shows have different themes. The Chowyang show is vaguely themed around Imperial China, while the Tiandi show is themed around a clown who recovers treasures from ancient temples, like Indiana Jones. The Chowyang show uses larger and more elaborate equipment for two of its acts: a giant spinning device with two rings and motorcycles driving inside a steel sphere. The Tiandi show does not use any large-scale or motorized equipment. The skill of the performers was a little greater at the Tiandi show, where the performance was smoother and the tricks were slightly more difficult. The Chowyang show plays three times per night, while the Tiandi show plays only once per night. Despite this, the Chowyang show was far more crowded. Lastly, the Chowyang show features numerous souvenir stands in the lobby, while the Tiandi show does not.
I list the Tiandi show's acts below. When I know the actual name of the act, I use that name in quotes- otherwise, I name it after the main activity performed. The act is followed by an asterisk if a similar act was featured at the Tiandi show.
Tightrope (the protagonist seeks to gain access to a jungle temple by walking along a vine)
"Ghost Crown" (the clown tries to steal a crown from a group of agile skeletons, who perform gymnastics jumps through rings)*
"Ancient Light" (a contortion and balance act; a ritual fire is guarded by priestesses)*
"Dragonball" (a dragon performs feats of juggling on an elevated platform)
-- Intermission --
"Jungle Treasure" (a Chinese pole act; ferocious jungle creatures guard a treasure chest)
Diabolo (women perform tumbling and tricks with the diabolo)*
"Snake's Diamond" (one-handed handstand and contortion; a snake guards a diamond)*
Bicycles (women carrying fans perform tricks on bicycles)*
I particularly enjoyed the Tiandi show. The performance combines top-notch circus and gymnastics with inventive costumes, moving computer-animated backdrops and an amusing if simple plotline. The performers did a stellar job, with only one mistake (a single dropped ball in the juggling act) on the night I saw the show. I appreciate their desire to choose an inventive theme, rather than a more generic one, such as the Imperial China theme of the Chowyang show. I thought the strongest act in the show was "Ghost Crown," which featured spectacular gymnastics and a strong link to the plotline. "Jungle Treature" is also very strong.
I think both shows are enjoyable and you cannot go wrong with either one. However, if I am to recommend one, I think the Tiandi show is the clear winner. Since five of the acts use the same apparatus and mostly the same tricks between the two shows, I generally would not recommend seeing both, unless you have a particular interest in circus arts or acrobatics.
Written May 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Billiemunoz
Baltimore, MD123 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
This IS a very well done acrobatics show that blends humor, juggling, tumbling, pole climbing, a bicycle routine along with the acrobatics you would expect. It is NOT Cirque du Soleil. On the other hand the 100 RMB price tag ($16 US - find this discount easily Online) is not Cirque du Soleil either. If you are in Beijing for a week or longer, this is probably a "must see." You don't want to go home without seeing the people who put the Chinese in Chinese Acrobatics. But if you are here for a three day Great Wall-Ming Tombs-Tiananmen Square whirlwind tour, you could skip this. Teenagers in your party? They will probably love the way several of the acts were designed to look as though you just fell through the rabbit hole and into a game of Mortal Kombat. I wished that it were a bit longer and that it had more tightrope walking than the one scene in the beginning. Go for dinner before the show in one of the two huge malls within walking distance and stop back for a refreshing sago dessert afterwards at Honeymoon to top off a great evening.
Written May 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canada4Explorer
Vancouver, Canada22 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
We were in Beijing for an extra night and based on tripadvisor reviews, decided to buy our discount tickets on line. This worked out well. You pay only when you pick up you tickets which are transferred at the theatre door. The subway stop is next door so very convenient. The show was a great performance. Don't spend extra for premium seats, as the theatre is small and every seat has good sight lines.
Written May 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iamatopmodel
Davao City, Philippines146 contributions
Apr 2013
There are travel agencies online that offer tickets at a much lower rate. They normally buy it in bulk where they can get amazing discounts. I had mine booked a few hours before the show. They will just write your name on a sheet of paper and they will purchase and give u the tickets upon meet up infront of the theatre. Just make sure you are on time though, otherwise they leave the place. We waited until it was 15mins before the show started before i decided to call the agent. Gladly he showed up and we got in just in the nick of time. We got it for Y100 each where the original price was Y280.
Written May 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly W
Auckland, New Zealand35 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
A fantastic experience and spectacular to watch- amazing acrobatics as well as sound and light effects.
Remember to bargain for cheaper seat prices- online places sell them for RMB135 instead of RMB180!
Be prepared for tour groups coming late and climbing over you, as well as almost continuous talking and answering of cell phones!
The theatre itself is easy to get to by subway- but it is tucked away behind a corner so get the name written out in Mandarin before you go so that you can ask for directions
Remember to bargain for cheaper seat prices- online places sell them for RMB135 instead of RMB180!
Be prepared for tour groups coming late and climbing over you, as well as almost continuous talking and answering of cell phones!
The theatre itself is easy to get to by subway- but it is tucked away behind a corner so get the name written out in Mandarin before you go so that you can ask for directions
Written April 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
londonshoes
47 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
Thoroughly enjoyed this show. Some of the things that they do are utterly amazing, particularly the part on the vertical ropes. Well worth a visit but as as the theatre is reasonably small there is no need to pay for more than a basic 180RMB seat- the extra cost isn't worthwhile. The show is made up of two 40ish minute sections with a 15 minute interval. Entertaining from start to finish. Would definitely recommend.
Written February 20, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana L
Seoul38 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
Decided to go after seeing the reviews on here. But was so surprised by the poor quality of both the venue and show. If you have already been to some shows operas (all around for the same price) in Shanghai, Xian, or even Chengdu you will be quite surprised to find yourself in such a run-down indoor venue. The seats are auditorium seats with seat cushions that are far too old and dirty and covered by also dirty seat covers. Cement floor completely dirty with trash. The place was super cold as heater was not on--don't think there was a heater system. Not sure if it was this one particular show which I watched... or if it was because I watched the show in the afternoon (and not the evening). But there were so many mistakes throughout the show... that it was too stressful and uncomfortable to watch at times... From failing to jump through hoops with hoops falling down to failing to catch items when thrown in air... As for the motorbike show everyone has left reviews about... it is the same as the one in cirque du soleil or house of dancing waters (FYI) if you have seen them already.
Written January 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam R
51 contributions
Nov 2016
We've been to a fair number of acrobatics shows, but this one knocked our socks off. You never know what is around the corner, and the level of danger in each act is MUCH higher than what you find in each act. These acrobats are incredible!
Written April 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennefer N
Canberra, Australia290 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
Ticket arranged from Hostel cost 180yuan which included one way transport to the venue.General seating about half way down good view .The show was absolutely spectacular.
Written October 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ausintaiwan
Taipei, Taiwan45 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Took parents here. It was their first trip to Beijing. All of us thoroughly enjoyed it. It perhaps lacked some of the more spectacular acts seen in other Chaoyang theatre but more than enough to wow you. What it lacks in spectacle it more than makes up for in professionalism. The sound is better, the theatre is nice, and the storyline that connects the acts is clever, giving a very good introduction to Beijing and China. Tad on the pricey side but they all are.
Written April 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
where is the best place to buy tickets? how much should i expect to pay?
Written March 23, 2017
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