River Theatre: The Peach Colony

River Theatre: The Peach Colony
《桃花源记》

Venue: Wuliu pier, Taohuayuan scenic spot, Changde, Hunan province

Ticket price: 298 yuan ($42)

Daily show times:

Spring: 7 pm - 8:05 pm
Summer: 7:30 pm - 8:35 pm
Winter: 7 pm - 8:05 pm

Duration: 65 minutes

Notes:
Audiences enjoy the performance aboard a boat, with the final stop located about five kilometers from the boarding point.

River Theatre: The Peach Colony is a live performance inspired by the 5th-century prose The Peach Blossom Spring, by Tao Yuanming (365-427), a classic tale of a traveler’s chance encounter with a hidden utopia in ancient China. Set on the Qinxi River and presented in an immersive format, the production transforms the waterway itself into a stage — creating the world’s first five-kilometer-long river theater.

Blending stagecraft, lighting, sound and the natural landscape, the show brings to life Tao’s vision of a “paradise on earth”, where blossoming trees, lush fields and tranquil ponds evoke a sense of serenity. Some 360 local farmers perform in the production, re-enacting scenes of pastoral life and inviting audiences to share in the beauty and harmony of the story’s world.

Architecturally, the theater marries elements of traditional Chinese culture with modern minimalist design, achieving a balance between simplicity and grandeur. The performance itself pushes artistic boundaries through innovations in choreography, music, lighting, costume and stage effects — bridging ancient storytelling with cutting-edge technology to create a deeply immersive experience.

The dance sequences stand out for their vivid colors and fluid imagery, expressing humanity’s timeless yearning for freedom and a better life. The songs, lyrical and heartfelt, echo the villagers’ pursuit of happiness and harmony.