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The Xi Opera Museum is located at the western end of Dacheng Lane Pedestrian Street in Wuxi's central urban area, connected to Changlong Yunguo Garden to the south and the Wuxi Academy of Painting and Calligraphy to the north. It boasts a prime location and a cultural atmosphere. The 1,492-square-meter building, with three floors above ground and one basement, comprises two main sections: an exhibition hall and a theater. As the museum continues to collect art after its opening, donations from the public will further enrich its collection. The Xi Opera Museum, covering nearly 1,500 square meters, is imbued with traditional Jiangnan architectural styles and elements. The museum is divided into two sections: the Xi Opera Museum Exhibition and the Experimental Theater. The Xi Opera Museum showcases the origin, development, prosperity, and inheritance of Xi Opera through a static display, displaying over 3,000 historical materials, including text, images, and artifacts. The Experimental Theater functions as a "theater garden," providing a space for live performances and cultural and leisure activities for the public.
Climate: Belongs to the northern subtropical humid zone, influenced by the monsoon circulation, with four distinct seasons.
Best time to travel: All seasons
Recommended places to visit:
hall
The ancient theater has a ceiling with a chicken cage caisson pattern, a group of sculptures of Fang Qing and Chen Cui'e in "Gift to the Pagoda", as well as opera characteristics such as costumes for Sheng, Dan, Jing, Mo and Chou; traditional elements such as boat sheds, net bricks, palace lanterns, antique blue brick door frames, blue printed curtains and a relief of the old scene of Yanjiaqiao, all of which highlight the fact that Xi Opera originated from the water town of Wu in the south of the Yangtze River and was deeply nourished by the long-standing Wu culture.
Exhibition Hall
The section on the origins and evolution of Xi Opera explains how Xi Opera originated from folk songs and folk tunes, was influenced by tanci, xuanjuan, and Kunqu opera, and gradually developed into tanhuang opera. It then evolved through the process of couplet opera, small and medium-sized opera, large and medium-sized opera, and literary opera, ultimately becoming an influential genre. The section on the development and prosperity of Xi Opera explores how Xi Opera gradually evolved from a local art form to a true stage art form, ushering in its comprehensive development and prosperity. The section on major artistic events explores the achievements and glory of Xi Opera, which was once a relatively unknown genre, with its repertoire and actors, throughout East China and now recognized as one of the three major operas of East China, along with Yue Opera and Huangmei Opera. The section on caring for Xi Opera captures precious footage of Party and state leaders and local leaders attending Xi Opera or interacting with Xi Opera performers. The section on awards lists the recipients of the Wenhua Award, Plum Blossom Award, and Magnolia Award. The Xi Opera Film section features Xi Opera art films, while the Stars section showcases veteran screenwriters, directors, music designers, vocalists, performers, and stage designers. The Artifacts section explores Xi Opera from all aspects through instruments, stage designs, and items used by famous actors. Scripts, manuals, film copies, records, and comic strips are also featured.
Audiovisual Room
(1) Touch screen: store the inheritance genealogy and award-winning information of Xi Opera, and click to enjoy Xi Opera videos.
(2) Appreciation Room: Learn about the history of Xi Opera and Xi Opera art films through multimedia equipment such as projectors.
theater
The auditorium, decorated with vintage materials and ancient architectural techniques, features floor-to-ceiling lattice windows, antique tables, chairs, coffee tables, and balcony seating. These elements combine the charm of a Jiangnan water village with a modern stage featuring comprehensive sound, lighting, and electrical equipment. This harmoniously blends with the museum's style while meeting the aesthetic needs of contemporary audiences. The theater building, while continuing the museum's static display, offers a dynamic showcase of the charm of Xi Opera art, successfully exploring and innovating the display format for specialized opera museums.
Recommended play time: 1~3 hours
free
9:00~11:30, 13:30~16:30
The Xi Opera Museum in Wuxi is dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional Xi Opera, a classical Chinese opera that originated in Jiangsu. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Xi Opera, which is known for its intricate performances, elaborate costumes, and distinct musical style.
The Xi Opera Museum is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. It can be accessed via taxi or public transportation from central Wuxi. The nearest metro station is a short bus ride away, and walking from nearby attractions is also feasible.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during weekdays to avoid large crowds, with spring and autumn offering the most pleasant weather for exploration.
The entrance fee typically ranges between 20-40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance or online through local ticketing platforms.
Booking in advance is not required unless visiting during peak tourist seasons or holidays. However, it’s advisable to book a few days ahead during busy times.
Allow around 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and enjoy its exhibits. If you're attending a performance or workshop, plan for additional time.
Must-see highlights include the exhibitions of traditional costumes and musical instruments, as well as any live performances of Xi Opera. The interactive sections on the history of Xi Opera are also very engaging.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English are typically available, offering insights into the museum's exhibits and the history of Xi Opera.
The best photography spots include the grand stage of the museum, where live performances are held, and the displays of traditional costumes. The museum's exterior also offers a nice backdrop for photos.
Start with the introductory exhibits on the history of Xi Opera, followed by a visit to the costume and instrument displays. If there's a live performance or demonstration, plan to catch that for a truly immersive experience.
Night visits are not typically available, but the museum does host occasional special performances or events, especially during festivals or cultural holidays.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, particularly in off-peak seasons like winter.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available. There is a small shop selling souvenirs and Xi Opera-related items, but food and drink options are limited on-site.
The museum is accessible for elderly and children, with ramps and elevators available for those with disabilities. However, some exhibits may require a fair amount of walking.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted, and credit cards may be used for ticket purchases. Cash is also widely accepted.
There are several restaurants and cafes nearby serving local Chinese cuisine. The museum itself doesn't have large dining facilities, but there are options just outside its gates.
Vegetarian food options are available at most nearby restaurants, though halal food may be harder to find in the immediate vicinity.
There are several hotels in central Wuxi, ranging from budget to mid-range, which are easily accessible by public transport or taxi from the museum.
Nearby attractions include the Nanchan Temple, Taihu Lake, and Wuxi's Grand Buddha. These can easily be combined into a day trip from the Xi Opera Museum.
The museum has a small souvenir shop where you can purchase Xi Opera-related items, such as mini masks, opera figurines, and traditional costume replicas.
Taxis and buses are readily available for continuing your trip to other attractions in Wuxi. The city's public transportation network also connects well with nearby landmarks.
