Pingyao immersive theatrical play gains national recognition

The theatre where Another Glance at Pingyao is staged. [Photo provided to goshanxi.com.cn] 

Another Glance at Pingyao, an immersive indoor theatrical play in Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province, was recently selected as one of the 20 exemplary cases of immersive cultural and tourism innovation by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. 

The 20 demonstration cases cover immersive performances, nighttime tours, exhibitions, and street/theme entertainment, showcasing the latest achievements in developing immersive experiences by fully exploring cultural tourism resources.

A scene of Another Glance at Pingyao. [Photo provided to goshanxi.com.cn] 

The theatrical performance entitled Another Glance at Pingyao boasts a running time of approximately 90 minutes, during which it masterfully depicts a plethora of scenes from the historic Chinese city of Pingyao. This show's primary focus is on the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and Pingyao's distinctive cultural milieu. The audience is afforded the opportunity to fully engage with the performers and thereby experience a truly unique and immersive sensory undertaking. 

The living drama taps into the cultural tourism resources of Shanxi merchants, telling a story about the inheritance of bloodlines and the continuity of life.

A scene of Another Glance at Pingyao. [Photo provided to goshanxi.com.cn] 

Since its debut in 2013, the play has achieved an annual revenue growth rate of 20 percent. In 2017, its box office revenue surpassed 100 million yuan ($13.91 million) for the first time. 

Over the course of the past decade, the theatrical production has been performed on no fewer than 6,900 separate occasions, attracting a staggering audience of nearly 5 million individuals. As a result of this immense popularity, the play has become an emblematic representation of the cultural richness and significance of both the Pingyao region and the wider Shanxi province, serving as a beacon of intellectual and artistic excellence for discerning audiences throughout the land.