Wanjian Ancient Theater

　　Located in Wanjian Village, Longtan Township, northwest of Tianzhu Mountain, the area is surrounded by mountains and features a harmonious blend of lush pines, bamboo, streams, and waterfalls, creating an elegant and tranquil environment. Within the ancestral hall of the Yang family in the village stands an ancient and graceful theater known as the “Wanjian Ancient Theater.” It is like a shining pearl embedded in the secluded valleys and peaks of Tianzhu Mountain. The theater was originally built in the early years of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty. It underwent two major renovations, one in the 19th year of the Daoguang reign (1839 AD) and another in the 3rd year of the Republic of China (1914 AD). Today, aside from some wood carvings and painted beams that were damaged during the Cultural Revolution, the theater remains largely intact. It is the only well-preserved ancient theater in the county and continues to regularly host performances by artistic 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 centrally positioned, flanked by two side stages. The main stage is 5.5 meters wide, 6 meters deep, and approximately 3 meters high. The stage opening is adorned with carved railings and covers an area of 33 square meters. In the center of the main stage’s sides are two carved wooden doors, with a circular doorway on each side for actors’ entrances and exits. Each of the two side stages covers an area of 40 square meters and can be used for band accompaniment, actor makeup, and costume changes. The center of the floor below houses the main entrance passage, with side rooms that can accommodate performers staying overnight. 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 is a pavilion-style all-wooden structure with upturned eaves and elegant, classic design. The ceiling features a wooden caisson painted with decorative patterns. The front pillars, crossbeams, 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 and birds, all exquisitely crafted and lifelike.

　　　　The theater served as the sole entertainment venue in the area. Since its completion, it has hosted performances by various troupes and artistic groups 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, as well as 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 the troupe boards still remain on the theater today, and the names of certain performances and actors can still be faintly discerned.

　　　　This theater is a testament to the historical culture of Qianshan County, widely recognized 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. In recent years, Anhui Television and China Central Television have visited the site multiple times to film special programs.