The Jinli Ancient Theater offers visitors the chance to explore traditional Sichuan opera performances, watch shadow puppetry, and enjoy cultural exhibitions. The theater also hosts local music and dance performances, making it an excellent place to experience the rich cultural heritage of Chengdu. Don't forget to stroll around the nearby ancient streets, filled with traditional architecture and handicraft stalls.

The ancient stage is located in Jinli Ancient Town, Chengdu. It is a landmark building in Jinli and regularly performs classic Sichuan operas. In front of the stage, movies are regularly shown and folk artists perform in the form of special stalls, allowing tourists to learn more about local culture.
It is worth mentioning that the stages of the ancient theaters are all made of old wood, and are carved with wood carvings based on the stories of the Three Kingdoms, giving people a strong sense of history and humanity.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Jinli Ancient Town can be visited all year round
free
All day
The Jinli Ancient Theater is part of the historical Jinli Street area in Chengdu, known for its preservation of Sichuan's traditional opera, music, and dance. The theater showcases the vibrant culture and heritage of Sichuan, often featuring traditional performances like Sichuan opera, which is famous for its face-changing acts. The area itself has been a cultural hub for centuries.
The Jinli Ancient Theater is located in the Wuhou District of Chengdu, adjacent to the famous Wuhou Shrine. It is easily accessible by metro (Line 3, Wuhouci Station), taxi, or a short walk from nearby attractions such as Jinli Street.
The Jinli Ancient Theater typically operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the evening performances, which offer a more immersive experience of Sichuan's traditional arts. Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter visit, as the area can be crowded.
The entrance fee to the Jinli Ancient Theater is usually around 50-100 RMB, depending on the performance. Tickets can be purchased at the theater's box office or online through platforms like WeChat or Alibaba travel services.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons or for special performances. It is best to book at least a few days in advance, especially if you plan to attend a highly popular show or visit during holidays.
Visiting the Jinli Ancient Theater and watching a performance typically takes around 1-2 hours. If you want to explore the nearby Jinli Street and other attractions in the area, plan for an additional 1-2 hours.
The highlight of the Jinli Ancient Theater is the Sichuan opera performance, particularly the famous face-changing act. Be sure to explore the surrounding area, including Jinli Street, where you can witness traditional architecture and local crafts.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and occasionally in English, depending on availability. Audio guides are typically not offered, but private tour guides can be arranged for a more personalized experience.
The best photography spots are around the entrance of the Jinli Ancient Theater, where the traditional architecture creates a stunning backdrop. The theater's interior, with its detailed decor, also offers great photo opportunities. Jinli Street itself is filled with colorful scenes, especially during the evening when lights are turned on.
Start by exploring the main theater area to catch a performance. Afterward, stroll through Jinli Street to visit the shops and take in the local atmosphere. You can also visit the nearby Wuhou Shrine if time allows.
Night visits are a great way to experience the Jinli Ancient Theater, as the evening performances create a lively atmosphere. Light shows are not a regular feature, but the theater's ambiance and the street lights on Jinli Street add to the charm at night.
The Jinli Ancient Theater can get crowded, particularly during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, especially in the early morning or later in the evening after the main tourist crowds have dispersed.
The Jinli Ancient Theater has basic facilities, including toilets, rest areas, and small food stalls. There are also several shops in the surrounding Jinli Street selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts.
The Jinli Ancient Theater and the surrounding Jinli Street area are accessible to elderly and children, though the streets can be crowded. Some parts of the area may not be ideal for disabled visitors due to uneven pavements, but the theater itself is generally accessible.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted at the Jinli Ancient Theater and in the nearby shops. Credit cards are accepted in some places, but it's always good to carry cash for smaller transactions.
There are several restaurants and cafes around Jinli Street, offering traditional Sichuan cuisine, snacks, and beverages. You can try dishes like hotpot, dumplings, and Sichuan-style noodles. Popular options include the nearby restaurants in the Wuhou District and on Jinli Street itself.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many of the local restaurants, with dishes like tofu, stir-fried vegetables, and noodles. Halal food options may be available in specific restaurants catering to Muslim visitors, though these are more common in central Chengdu.
There are a variety of hotels near the Jinli Ancient Theater, ranging from budget options to more luxurious accommodations. Popular nearby hotels include the Chengdu Wuhou Hotel and the Sichuan University Hotel.
Nearby attractions include the Wuhou Shrine, which is just a short walk away, as well as the Sichuan Museum and the Temple of Marquis Wu. A visit to Jinli Ancient Theater can easily be combined with exploring these nearby landmarks.
Yes, Jinli Street is known for its souvenir shops offering traditional Sichuan crafts such as teapots, silk scarves, and hand-painted masks. You can also find local snacks and spices to take home.
After visiting the Jinli Ancient Theater, you can take a taxi, metro (Wuhouci Station), or bus to other parts of Chengdu. Chengdu's metro system is convenient, and taxis are readily available near the theater.