Zhangjiajie: A Must-see Performance | Tianmen Fox Fairy Show
- anywherechina020
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
The Tianmen Fox Fairy is more than a show—it’s a sensory immersion into Hunan’s mythical landscape and folklore. With its unparalleled natural stage, emotional narrative, and technological wizardry, it remains a must-see for visitors to Zhangjiajie, epitomizing how tradition and innovation can create magic under the stars.
Location
The Tianmen Fox Fairy Show is staged at the Tianmen Fox Fairy Grand Theater, nestled at the base of Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie. The theater integrates seamlessly into the natural canyon landscape, with the towering peaks of Tianmen Mountain (elevation difference: 1,300+ meters) forming a dramatic backdrop.
Showtimes & Season
Schedule: Nightly performances at 8:20 PM, lasting approximately 90–100 minutes (ending around 10:00 PM)
Season: Runs annually from early March to early December. The show operates in all weather conditions (rain or shine), with free raincoats provided during precipitation and warm coats available for rent in cold weather.
Venue Highlights
World’s First Mountain-Valley Stage: The theater spans 10,000+ square meters, carved into a natural canyon with a vertical drop of over 1,000 meters. This creates an immersive "natural dome" effect, where cliffs, forests, and waterfalls become part of the set.
Mountain-Valley Stage Groundbreaking Technology: Features a glass-steel main stage that illuminates with dynamic colors, 60-meter aerial bridges, flying performers, movable artificial moons, and realistic snowfall across the entire venue. Advanced lighting (3,000+ effects), surround sound, and multilingual subtitles (Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean) enhance accessibility.
Cultural Authenticity: The set includes recreated Tujia ethnic villages with traditional stilt houses, terraced fields, and waterwheels, blending folklore with high-tech artistry.
Storyline & Performance
Plot: Adapted from the Hunan folk legend "Liu Hai Cuts Firewood", the musical tells the love story between Liu Hai, a humble woodcutter, and White Fox Spirit, a celestial being. Their romance defies boundaries between mortals and immortals, facing opposition from both human villagers and the Fox King.
Liu Hai Cuts Firewood Five Acts:
Fox King’s Bride Selection: The Fox King chooses the White Fox Spirit as his bride, but she dreams of mortal life.
Mountain Encounter: White Fox meets Liu Hai, who saves her from hunters, sparking mutual affection.
Moonlit Longing: Secretly, the fox spirit tends to Liu Hai’s home, symbolizing their deepening bond.
Forbidden Love: Both face persecution—Liu Hai from superstitious villagers, White Fox from the Fox King’s wrath.
Millennial Devotion: After centuries of separation, their love bridges worlds in a climactic reunion.
Cast & Artistry: Over 500 performers, including Tujia singers and dancers, present a fusion of ethnic music, acrobatics, and magic. The score blends Hunan folk melodies with symphonic arrangements by Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun (musical director).
Ticketing & Practical Tips
Tickets: Prices range from $20 (Standard) to $50 (VIP A). Children under 1.3 meters enter free without a seat.
A&B Area: $20
Premium: $24
VIP A Area: $50
VIP B Area: $35
Seat Map Transport: Take buses #4, #5, #6, or #10 to Tianmen Mountain Cableway Station, then transfer to dedicated shuttles (#5 or #9) to the theater. Taxis from downtown cost ~¥25.
Pro Tip: Book online in advance to secure seats and avoid queues. Arrive by 7:30 PM to explore the set.
Cultural Significance
Directed by Mei Shuaiyuan (creator of "Impression Liu Sanjie"), this show is a milestone in China’
s live-performance art, merging intangible heritage (Tujia dances, folk songs) with cutting-edge technology. Its 2025 "Youth Fantasy Edition" upgraded visuals using AI and 3D mapping, attracting global acclaim as a "spiritual journey".
IF YOU WANNA SEE THE SHOW