Deheyuan, Opera theatre and museum in Summer Palace, Beijing, China
Deheyuan is an opera theatre and museum within the Summer Palace complex featuring a grand three-story building arranged along a north-south axis. It contains multiple stage areas, halls, and courtyards that work together as a complete performance venue.
The theatre was built as an opera venue during the Qing Dynasty and underwent major renovation in 1891. After this renovation, it hosted numerous performances and became an important venue for the imperial court.
The theatre preserves original features like trapdoors and acoustic elements that show how opera performances worked during the Qing Dynasty. You can see how audiences once sat in this space and experienced the shows firsthand.
Entry requires either a Summer Palace ticket or an additional fee specifically for the Deheyuan complex. The site is walkable with clear pathways connecting the different areas of the theatre building.
A special exhibition displays period costumes, props, and an oil painting related to the imperial era. The space also shows how the imperial court once watched performances from special viewing arrangements rather than regular seating.
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