Enduring Memories of Hangzhou / Impression West Lake Show
"Enduring Memories of Hangzhou", staged on West Lake, this beautiful show is creation of none other than the esteemed director Zhang Yimou, globally lauded for his orchestration of the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing opening and closing ceremonies.
The evolution of this spectacular show into "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou" traces back to the G20 Summit in 2016, where the revised performance cast a spell of enchantment on global leaders and diplomats. Paying homage to the original "Impressions West Lake", this reimagined rendition enhances the dream-like aura, promising both domestic and international audiences an unforgettable soiree of lyrical storytelling.
The name "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou" is derived from a verse by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet, Bai Juyi: "Of all the memories of the south of the Yangtze, the most memorable is Hangzhou." Couched with Bai Juyi's words is a sentiment that embodies the essence of this spectacle - the creation of unforgettable memories. It was hoped that world leaders and diplomats attending the 2016 G20 Summit would take with them beautiful recollections of Hangzhou, of the Summit, and feel moved to revisit those memories, to return to Hangzhou one day.
Set 3 centimeters below the water's surface, the unique stage offers an immersive and transformative experience, an invitation for audiences to join in a sweet thousand-year dream draped in the legends and folklore of Hangzhou. The backdrop, comprising the lake and its surroundings illuminated by hundreds of lights, offers a visually magnificent performance. Every seat within the special concealable auditorium promises an intimate view of this spectacle that unfolds like a melodious symphony incorporating light, music, and intricate dance numbers.
Locations and Show Times
- Location: Opposite to Yue Wang Temple, Beishan Road, Xihu District.
- Show Times: Daily performances, with two sessions on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. First Session 19:40 / Second Session 21:15.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Ticket Prices
There are various seating options available for the show.
| Ticket Types | Prices | Descriptions |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Seats | 360RMB(approximately 51USD) | Areas A1-A5, C1, C2, and Waterside Zone |
| VIP Seats | 400RMB(approximately 56USD) | Premium seats in the middle section (Areas A2, A3, A4) |
| Venerable Seats | 680RMB(approximately 95USD) | Premium seats at the front with the best view. Limited to 18 seats |
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Program Preview
- Opening Act: A small boat carrying the moon, calmly and quietly, approaches closer and closer. West Lake is about to immerse in a splendid and bustling scene that stirs the soul...
- First Act - "Spring River Moonlit Night": One of the top ten classical Chinese musical pieces. With the melodious and flickering sound of the pipa, the water and mountains near and far gradually illuminate. Thus, a picture scroll of a moonlit night at West Lake slowly unfolds.
- Second Act - "Tea-Picking Dance": As the most representative folk tune of Hangzhou, "Tea-Picking Dance" seamlessly connects with the opening piece, "Spring River Moonlit Night." In the night scenery of West Lake, tea-picking women in Hanfu garments dance gracefully, exuding the charm of ancient times.
- Third Act - "The Beautiful Legend of Love": The third chapter encompasses various art forms, from the violin concerto of "Butterfly Lovers" to the singing of the passage "Eighteen Farewell Gifts" from Yue opera, from classical Chinese dance to symphony and choral pieces like "Metamorphosis of a Butterfly"... China's most famous folk love story receives an ultimate artistic presentation. The folding fan, an iconic symbol of Chinese traditional love, will also stunningly appear on the surface of West Lake.
- Fourth Act - "High Mountain and Flowing Water": As the most representative folk tune of Hangzhou, "High Mountain and Flowing Water" seamlessly connects with the opening piece, "Spring River Moonlit Night," and the preceding piece, "Tea-Picking Dance." In the night scenery of West Lake, tea-picking women in Hanfu garments dance gracefully, exuding the charm of ancient times.
- Fifth Act - "Swan Lake": By placing the classic dance of "Swan Lake" into the landscape of "West Lake," the performers of "Swan Lake" will present a dance that is both illusory and real, making it difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood. This forms a unique blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.
- Sixth Act - "Me and My Motherland": Its melody belongs to China, but it expresses emotions that are universally shared by humanity - love for one's motherland. The entire program will create a fairytale-like scene through the chorus of a male singer and young actors, evoking a sense of wonder and delight.
- Seventh Act - "Chasing the Moon with Colorful Clouds": From the violin concerto of "Butterfly Lovers" to the singing of the passage "Eighteen Farewell Gifts" from Yue opera, from classical Chinese dance to symphony and choral pieces like "Metamorphosis of a Butterfly"... China's most famous folk love story receives an ultimate artistic presentation. The folding fan, an iconic symbol of Chinese traditional love, will also stunningly appear on the surface of West Lake.
- Eighth Act - "Unforgettable Jasmine Flower": This is the only newly created piece in the G20 original performance, based on the existing classic singing passages and excerpts from Puccini's opera. It sings out the rich understanding and expression of the jasmine flower in the Chinese sentiment, once again becoming a new classic
- Ninth Act - "Ode to Joy": The classic chorus and the performances of hundreds of actors in "Ode to Joy" will create a boiling atmosphere throughout West Lake. The entire performance concludes with a grand and resounding finale, conveying the true meaning of a unified world with a truly Chinese style.
- Finale Act - "The Most Memorable is Hangzhou": "In memories of the south, the most memorable is Hangzhou," with its fragrant osmanthus trees in the mountains, the tide at Qiantang River's mouth, light makeup and heavy ink, and timeless poems... This is a brand new composition that expresses the love for West Lake and Hangzhou through the strokes of a pen and sings in the heart.
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