Beijing to stage new performances for travelers

Beijing will stage a series of performances to enhance visitors' experiences in the capital.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development recently summoned performance groups and travel agencies to promote the shows that'll be staged in major venues long term.

China International Travel Services and Tuniu have signed deals to promote the new shows and will put them on their itineraries.

Beijing has 24 theaters that host shows targeting tourists.

They staged over 11,000 performances last year, a 6 percent increase over 2015. The number of viewers increased by over 17 percent to more than 3.1 million, bringing box-office revenue to 202 million yuan ($29 million).

The upcoming show Faraway Dinosaur is the first of its kind in China.

It integrates dinosaurs with stage performance and offers unprecedented stage effects to present scenes from over 65 million years ago.

Dozens of robotic prehistoric reptiles fly, walk and swim in the show.

The largest is 13 meters high and weights 8 tons.

The big screen and stage design have set several Guinness World records, the municipal tourism authority says.

The show is currently undergoing rehearsal. It'll open to the public at the Beijing National Stadium (the Bird's Nest) long term.

The China National Acrobatic Troupe will soon offer The Classic of Mountains and Rivers - Tongtian Tree.

The show is based on a traditional Chinese myth and integrates international circus elements. It will be staged at Beijing's Xiedao (Crab Island) Holiday Resort late this year or early next year.

In addition, The Cavalia, a show about a magical encounter between man and horse from Canada, will be staged in the capital from mid-April to early June.

It received rave reviews when it premiered at Beijing's Chaoyang Park in April 2016.

Other programs with distinctive Chinese characteristics are in the works, the tourism commission says.

(China Daily 02/27/2017 page22)