Upon your arrival in Zhangjiajie — whether at the train station, airport, or your hotel — our professional tour guide will be waiting to greet you, holding a sign that says "Your Way Holiday" for easy recognition. From there, the guide will accompany you and provide assistance as you are transferred to the venue of the Charming Xiangxi performance. Throughout the process, your guide will be available to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, answer any questions, and offer insights about the local culture.
Nestled in the heart of Zhangjiajie, the Charming Xiangxi Show is one of China's most celebrated live cultural performances, offering a mesmerizing window into the rich ethnic heritage and folklore of western Hunan province. This one-hour production brings to life the vibrant traditions of the Tujia, Miao, Bai, and other local ethnic minorities through a powerful fusion of music, dance, and theatrical storytelling. Performed in a state-of-the-art open-air theater near the scenic Wulingyuan area, the show features over 100 professional performers in elaborate traditional costumes. Audiences will witness a dynamic sequence of acts, including the mysterious Tujia “crying marriage” ritual, energetic bamboo dances, ancient war chants, and romantic mountain love stories.
One of the most intriguing segments is the legendary ritual known as Corpse Walking. This unique and haunting cultural tradition originates from the Xiangxi region of western Hunan, where, according to legend, Taoist priests were said to possess the supernatural ability to "escort" the bodies of deceased individuals back to their hometowns for burial. In the show, this ritual is brought vividly to life through dramatic choreography, eerie lighting, and rhythmic drum beats. Performers dressed as Taoist priests lead a slow, mesmerizing procession of "walking corpses"—actors in ghostly makeup and traditional funeral garments who move in synchronized, zombie-like motions. The scene evokes a mix of wonder and suspense, offering audiences a glimpse into the mysticism and folklore of ancient rural China. Far from being frightening, the performance is deeply symbolic—reflecting the traditional values of filial piety, respect for the dead, and the strong cultural belief in resting eternally in one’s native soil. This segment, while theatrical, is grounded in real historical practices once feared and revered by local communities.
Another moving and unique highlights of the show is the “Crying Marriage” ceremony. This ancient Tujia wedding tradition features a bride singing mournful yet beautiful songs in tears as she prepares to leave her family home. Through her expressive voice and gestures, the bride expresses deep gratitude to her parents while lamenting the bittersweet transition into a new life. The powerful emotions conveyed through the singing—performed in Tujia dialect—offer a rare and touching glimpse into the inner world of a young woman facing change, duty, and farewell. Other captivating acts in the show include energetic Miao drum dances, breathtaking fire displays, and a romantic love story set against the backdrop of misty mountains and cascading waterfalls. The use of synchronized lighting, local costumes, and dramatic choreography creates an unforgettable theatrical spectacle that celebrates the soul of Xiangxi culture.
After the show concludes, our guide or driver will escort you back safely to your hotel or the train station, depending on your travel schedule. We ensure a smooth and hassle-free transfer, so you can relax and enjoy the rest of your evening without any worries.
