China: How many acrobat shows? & where
 

The cultural and acrobat shows are supposed to be wonderful. We will have an opportunity to see ones in Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai. Are they all different and should we go to each one? Or are they similar? If so, which show do you recommend. Thanks for your consideration.

I have been to one acrobat show in Beijing and several in Shanghai, but never in Xian. My experience is that the content of the shows is pretty much the same, but the venue and the overall quality of the stage settings (& etc.) vary quite a bit. <BR> <BR>In terms of how many to see, it really depends on how much you think you'll enjoy them. I recommend that you plan on going to one in BJ, then see how you like it and then you can book more if you want to go to more. <BR> <BR>In BJ, we went to a place that had the highest-quality venue and performance. It was in a new theatre, and for just a few dollars more, we sat in the "VIP" section right up front, with snacks and water and more room. They played a very dramatic combination of Western and Chinese music throughout the performance, and the sets and costumes were WONDERFUL. <BR> <BR>In Shanghai, there are two venues that I've heard offer the same style and quality of show, but I haven't been to either. Instead, I've opted for history and charm in the venue. <BR> <BR>One place, called "Da Shi Jie," is an open-air amphetheater right in the center of the old Chinese town that used to be an opium den and brothel in the Roaring Shanghai 20's!! Today it's much more family oriented, with a small video game area, a museum dedicated to the Chinese entries into the Guinness Book of World Records, and other assorted oddities. But while the acrobats are equally skilled, their costumes are tattered and there is no scenery. If you decide to go to two acrobatic shows, this would be a fun second one to go to if it's nice outside. <BR> <BR>Finally, in Shanghai you can go see acrobats in the Lyceum theater, a fabulous art deco building from the 30's. It's really fun just to be inside the theater that has seen so much of Shanghai's rise and fall from the glory days. It's a beautiful building, but the music, scenery, and costumes are not as nice as in the theater in BJ. You hardly notice, though, since the performance is still breathtaking. <BR> <BR>You can't go wrong whatever you choose!

I saw an acrobatic show in Shanghai at the Portman Ritz Carlton. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely see one somewhere.

Topping for Shelby

The show schedule we had last summer was excellent. We saw the Beijing Opera, the Tang Dynasty show in Xian (spectaccular music and dance with a dim sum supper) and the Shanghai Circus. Each was very different and enjoyable.