At Beijing's Liyuan Theatre, travellers can immerse themselves in Peking Opera—the core experience. They’ll watch a one-hour condensed show featuring classic excerpts, showcasing the art’s key skills: singing, reciting, acting, and acrobatics. The performance boasts stunning traditional costumes, intricate facial makeup, stylized movements, and live accompaniment by traditional instruments like jinghu (a two-stringed fiddle) and gongs. During the show, visitors can sit back, savour complimentary Chinese tea and snacks, and soak up the elegant traditional Chinese atmosphere of the theatre (housed in the historic Qianmen Hotel). It’s an accessible way to appreciate Peking Opera’s charm, even for those unfamiliar with the art form.