3 Hufang Lu, near Luomashi Dajie
10/6351-8284
HOURS: Performances daily at 7:30 p.m.
COST: ¥150-240
METRO: Caishikou (Line 4)
Another popular Beijing pastime is Peking opera. While not everyone likes the strangled vocals that characterize this form of opera, the costumes are impressive and the background music attractive. If you fancy checking out a performance, the Huguang Guild Hall is a good place.
As well as quality performances by talented opera singers and musicians, the hall is a beautiful example of Qing Dynasty wooden architecture. It was built in 1807 and was one of the capital’s four great theaters in its heyday, attracting celebrated performers like Mei Lanfang.
It was at the Huguang that the nationalist Guomindang (KMT) party was formed on August 25, 1912.