Wanjian Ancient Theater

Wanjian Ancient Theater

Wanjian Ancient Theater is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located in Wanjian Village, Longtan Township, northwest of Tianzhu Mountain, the area is surrounded by mountains, with lush pines, bamboo, streams, and waterfalls that complement each other, creating an elegant environment. Inside the Yang Family Ancestral Hall of the village stands a simple yet refined ancient theater, known as the “Wanjian Ancient Theater.” It is like a shining pearl nestled among the peaks and valleys of Tianzhu Mountain. The ancient theater was first built in the early years of the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong reign. It underwent two major renovations—in the 19th year of the Daoguang reign (1839 AD) and the 3rd year of the Republic of China (1914 AD). Today, apart from some wooden carvings and painted beams that were damaged during the Cultural Revolution, the stage remains largely intact. It is the only well-preserved ancient theater in the county and still regularly hosts performances by art troupes.

The theater is part of the Yang Family Ancestral Hall. The ancestral hall consists of three main halls and two side wings, covering a total area of 6,000 square meters. The ancient theater is located in the front hall, about 2.8 meters above the ground. The main stage is in the center, flanked by side stages. The main stage is 5.5 meters wide, 6 meters deep, and approximately 3 meters high, with an ornately carved railing at the stage opening, covering an area of 33 square meters. In the center of the main stage’s sides are two carved wooden doors, with circular doorways on either side used for actors’ entrances and exits. Each of the two side stages covers 40 square meters and can be used for band accompaniment, actor makeup, and costume changes. The central area downstairs serves as the main entrance passage, with side rooms that can accommodate performers. The theater faces the main hall, with an open courtyard in front and viewing galleries on both sides that can seat over 800 spectators.

The theater features a pavilion-style all-wooden structure, with upturned eaves and an elegant, classic design. The ceiling is a wooden caisson painted with decorative patterns. The front pillars, beams, panels, railings, ceiling, and rear wooden doors are all adorned with colorful paintings and carvings. The designs include carp, dragons and phoenixes, flowers and birds, as well as animals, all vividly crafted.

The theater has been the sole entertainment venue in the area since its completion. It has hosted performances by various opera troupes and performance groups, including those performing Hui Opera, Gaoqiang Opera, Tanqiang Opera, Peking Opera, and Huangmei Opera. During the 9th year of the Daoguang reign (1829 AD), the 3rd year of the Republic of China (1914 AD), when the Yang Family Genealogy was revised, and during major traditional festivals, famous troupes from Anqing and other places were invited to perform. It is said that Cheng Changgeng’s family troupe, the “Four Admonitions Hall” troupe, once performed here under the leadership of Cheng Xianggui. Ink marks from that time remain visible on the theater’s beams, with the names of plays and performers still faintly discernible.

The theater is a testament to the history and culture of Qianshan County, widely known as the homeland of Hui Opera troupes and the birthplace of Huangmei Opera. In 1990, the Qianshan County People’s Government designated it as a county-level key cultural relics protection unit. Anhui Television and China Central Television have filmed several feature programs here in recent years.

Wanjian Village: Located near the northern part of the national scenic area “Tianzhu Mountain,” Wanjian Village in Longtan Township borders Dubu Village to the east, Tianzhu Mountain to the south, Tianzhu Forest Farm to the west, and Longtan Village to the north. It spans a maximum width of 4.5 kilometers from east to west and 5 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 20 square kilometers. Surrounded by local communities, the village features flat terrain in the center with an average elevation of 450 meters, making it a typical mountainous landscape.

Two rivers flow through the village. One originates from the Datianmen area of Tianzhu Mountain, running through Ganhé, Shangjian, Zhongjian, and down to Xiajian. Another originates from Tianzhu Mountain... Wanjian Village detailed information++