Storytelling, Peking Opera and tea, you can enjoy all this at the newly opened Beijing Qianmen Dawancha Opera Tower.

Standing to the southwest of the Qianmen Battlements, the opera tower is favorably located. It not only faces Tian'anmen Square, but is also close to Beijing's famous business street - Dashilan, immersing it deeply into Chinese culture.

From a distance, the first thing to catch your eye is the imposing gate with its carved beams and bright colors.

Walking inside the tower, you will be fascinated by the strong Beijing flavor embodied in the carved wooden stage, the red and gold columns, the bright red lanterns and the old-fashioned square tables which give the tower its festive feel.

Once seated, the waiters wearing traditional Chinese clothes will give you a menu on which you will see various superb teas ranging from 10 to 50 yuan and traditional Beijing snacks. The cheaper 10 yuan teas are popular with the average customer, said a staff member, while those with money to spend go for the more expensive choices.

The performance is put on by a well-trained and professional Beijing Peking Opera Theatre. You may not understand what they say but the opera house provides Chinese caption, with English captions to be provided soon.

Even without captions the fancy costumes, beautiful music and exciting atmosphere are sure to impress.

The Opera House can accommodate up to 200 people. Yin Zhijun, the manager said, the house sees three different kinds of customers, neighborhood locals, opera fans and tourists.

Yin said, there were historically a lot of Peking Opera Gardens in the Qianmen area, so the majority of people living nearby are Peking Opera fans. Building the Opera House in the area brings to life its rich cultural heritage.

As well, there are many tourists in the opera tower. It not only provides them with a great place to relax, it also introduces the great Chinese art, Peking Opera, to them.

So, whether you are a curious tourist or longtime fan of Chinese culture, check out the Opera House, you will not be disappointed.

Location: Southwest of Qianmen Battlements

Time: 9 am - 9 pm

Tel: 63184723, 63182107

Source: Beijing Weekend