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Liu Sanjie Impressions lightshow in Yangshuo


The Liu Sanjie Show 
or Yangshuo water impressions show in Yangshuo is a relatively new developed show and became an easy success. If you travel to Yangshuo, this show is a must see and worth all the money you spend.

At March 20, 2004 the premiere of the Liu Sanjie lightshow was a fact. It was a huge outdoor performance with, then 1800 seats available (now 2500). Some of the area had to be adjusted for the show. The participants in the show are all local, mostly from Zhuang and Yao background.

Liu Sanjie is a story that originates from the Zhuang minority people. The Zhuang are the largest minority group in China. The story is about a legend of a woman called Liu Sanjie, which means "third sister".

Scene from the Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo
Scene from the Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo

The legend tells the tale of Liu Sanjie who had a beautiful voice at very early age. Her voice was so beautiful it even could raise the dead. It became such a famous story that in 1960 a movie was released.

Entrance of the amphitheatre in Yangshuo
Entrance of the amphitheater in Yangshuo

The story in the movie as in the legend and the movie is about a local gangster: Mo Huairen. The gangster falls in love with Liu Sanjie and wished to make her his concubine. The boyfriend and his friends in the village free her and the couple escape turning themselves in a pair of larks.

Scene from the Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo
Scene from the Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo

Zhang Yimou is the director of the show. The Liu Sanjie Impressions was his first creation of the so called "Impressions". At the time of writing there are a total of 3 lightshows in China. Other shows can be visited in Lijiang Yunnan (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) and in Hangzhou's West Lake. A news flash in November 2008 states that Zhang, who was also the chief director and creative brain of the 2008 Olympic Games, visited the scenic Wuyi Mountains in southeastern China's Fujian Province on Monday to prepare for the outdoor "Impression: Dahongpao" show. liu sanjie show

Zhang was already a famous director and won many prizes in and outside China. Dahongpao is the name of a type of oolong tea that originated in the Wuyi Mountains, where the natural landscapes will serve as the backdrop for the "Impression: Dahongpao" premiere in October next year.

Zhang Yimou uses the natural resources (therefore the name "Water show") of Yangshuo to give his show a maximum effect. The usage of lights and water emphasizes the beauty of the Li River and the limestone mountains in a way no one had seen ever.

"Impressions" at West Lake Hangzhou
"Impressions" at West Lake Hangzhou

Tickets can be bought at most of the little travel agencies in Yangshuo, who will usually arrange your transport too. I can only say: if you visit Yangshuo without seeing the Liu Sanjie Lightshow, you have missed an essential part of Yangshuo.

Scene from the Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo
Scene from the Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo

We have many more photos of the show. Here is a selection of what you can expect.

There are 2 types of seats available, B and C. The B tickets are more expensive then the C tickets because they offer better views. Ask Jessie to book your ticket.

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Liu Sanjie Comments

Have you seen the Liu Sanjie Lightshow in Yangshuo? What do you think of it? Share it with us!

Share your Liu Sanjie experiences


River rafting

Whatever people tell you, the Yulong river from Moonhill on to the west is the most spectacular of all areas in Yangshuo. Thought you have seen it all when you did the river cruise? NO WAY. The Yulong river has much more and even better.

along the Yu Long river

Rafting on the Yulong river


Kayaking on the Li River

Apart of a river cruise, you may enjoy a kayaking trip further on the river, where the cruises do not go. It's another very spectacular sight on the limestone mountains and an enjoyable morning/ afternoon.

Kayaking on the Li River

Kayaking on the Li River


Moonhill

Moonhill is since "the beginning of times" a landmark for Yangshuo. It's such a landmark that when you visit Yangshuo it's hard NOT to visit this hole in the mountain. And it's worth to visit too.

Moonhill Yangshuo

Moonhill




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