Recently, it was learned from the Panshan Scenic Area that, in a bid to further explore the historical and cultural heritage of Panshan, establish a distinctive tourism brand, and show appreciation to visitors, the scenic area has introduced a new people-friendly initiative. Starting from June 6, the area will offer a series of stage plays—“Emperor Qianlong’s Tour of Panshan”—free of charge at the Yunlou Liying Ancient Theater. These performances will bring to life the grand occasions of Emperor Qianlong’s visits to Panshan in dramatic form. While enjoying the mountain scenery and leisurely hikes, visitors will not only be able to admire Panshan’s beautiful natural landscapes but also immerse themselves in the rich cultural essence of the Qing imperial court.
Panshan is a tourist destination where natural landscapes and historic sites coexist, and where Buddhist culture blends with imperial heritage. As early as the Tang Dynasty, it was known as the “Eastern Mount Wutai,” and during the Qing Kangxi era, it gained fame both in China and abroad as the “Foremost Mountain East of the Capital,” ranking among China’s fifteen most renowned scenic spots. Historical records indicate that Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited Panshan 32 times, leaving behind 1,702 poems and essays about the mountain, and famously exclaimed, “If I had known about Panshan, why would I have needed to go south of the Yangtze?” During his visits, Emperor Qianlong had the Yunlou Liying Ancient Theater built beneath Tiancheng Temple. In recent years, the Panshan Scenic Area has restored this ancient theater and, in collaboration with a professional performance troupe, spent a year crafting the script. Drawing on numerous historical events and legendary tales from the 32 imperial tours of Panshan by Emperor Qianlong and his ministers, they have created this captivating stage production that showcases the grandeur of the emperor’s mountain excursions. According to staff at the scenic area, the performances are held three times daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and will run until mid-October.