Introduction

If you’re visiting Chongqing and craving a night of cultural richness paired with delicious food, the Qingyu banquet court feast experience might just be your cup of tea—or, more fittingly, your bowl of spicy Sichuan noodles. This evening activity offers a fascinating blend of traditional performances, authentic flavors, and the chance to step into history with costume transformations.
What sets this experience apart? We particularly love the chance to enjoy a palace-style dinner while watching live performances that bring local legends and ancient stories to life. The Bayu cuisine on offer is another highlight—rich, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared with a modern twist. Plus, for those who enjoy a bit of role-playing, transforming into a character from the past adds a memorable touch.
One thing to consider is that the experience is primarily conducted in Chinese, which might be a barrier if you’re not familiar with the language. However, the visual spectacle and immersive nature make it worthwhile even without language fluency.
This experience is ideal for travelers eager to explore Chinese culture in a lively, entertaining setting—perfect for history buffs, food lovers, or anyone looking to add a unique cultural night to their Chongqing itinerary.
You can check availability for your dates here:Good To Know

- Authentic Cultural Show: Dive into traditional performances that highlight local legends and Bayu stories.
- Gourmet Sichuan Cuisine: Savor a thoughtfully curated menu that combines regional flavors with modern flair.
- Costume Transformation: Transform into an ancient character with professional makeup and traditional attire, adding a fun, immersive element.
- Palace-Themed Atmosphere: Enjoy the regal setting that transports you to China’s imperial past.
- Inclusive Experience: Suitable for adults and children over 4, with costumes available for a full role-playing experience.
- Value for Money: At $87 per person, the combination of dinner, show, and costume experience offers good value for a cultural night.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Chongqing.
A Closer Look at the Experience

Setting and Atmosphere: From the moment you arrive at the venue, the decor screams palace elegance. Think grand chandeliers, intricate woodwork, and traditional motifs that set the scene for an evening fit for royalty. The lighting design and stage setup are carefully crafted to create a seamless transition between performances and dining, making everything feel immersive and special.
The Show: The performances are performed by professional actors who portray stories rooted in regional history and legend. The acts combine dance, music, and theatrical storytelling, with stunning costumes and stage effects. While the show is in Chinese, the visual storytelling makes it accessible for international visitors who can appreciate the artistry and passion behind each act.
Cuisine and Dining: As you settle in, the menu begins with appetizers that are both visually appealing and packed with traditional flavor. The dishes showcase Bayu flavors—balancing spice, freshness, and umami—yet are presented with contemporary flair. Each course is carefully designed to delight both the eyes and the palate. Reviewers mention the dishes as “a masterpiece” that elevate traditional flavors with modern innovation, making it a feast for all senses.
Costume Experience: One of the most engaging parts of this tour is the chance to don traditional costumes. With professional makeup artists on hand, guests can choose from a variety of historical attire to transform into a character from ancient times. Children over 4 are welcome to participate, though the costume experience isn’t available for younger kids. Many guests find this adds an extra layer of authenticity and fun, making the whole evening more memorable.
Duration and Group Size: The entire experience lasts several hours, typically starting in the evening and wrapping up back at the meeting point. Groups tend to be intimate enough for personalized attention but large enough to keep the energy lively. The option to reserve and pay later adds flexibility to your travel plans, and cancellations are straightforward with a 24-hour notice for full refunds.
Practical Tips: Since the experience is conducted in Chinese, it might be helpful to bring along a translation app or a guide familiar with the show’s stories. Arrive a little early to settle in and get your costume if you opt for the transformation. Remember that weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances are not permitted, aligning with safety standards.
The Value of the Experience

At $87 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded mix of entertainment, cultural insight, and culinary delight. When you consider the professional performances, authentic cuisine, and the chance to dress up as an ancient character, the cost seems reasonable, especially for a cultural night that creates lasting memories. Unlike typical dinner shows, the costume element provides an interactive and personalized aspect, which many guests find enhances the overall value.
While some might find the language barrier a slight hurdle, the visual storytelling and the lively atmosphere make it accessible for most travelers. The quality of the performances and the attention to detail in food presentation suggest this is a thoughtfully curated experience, aimed at showcasing Chongqing’s glorious past and vibrant culinary scene.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for visitors who want more than just sightseeing—they desire an engaging cultural experience that combines history, entertainment, and cuisine in one package. It’s especially suited for those interested in traditional Chinese stories, regional flavors, or who simply want a fun night dressed in costumes. Families with children over 4 will find it particularly enjoyable, as the costume element adds a playful touch that appeals to kids and adults alike.
It’s also a fantastic choice for foodies eager to try regional flavors in a setting that elevates dining into an event. If you’re after a night of lively performances and immersive storytelling, this tour delivers on both fronts.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Sum Up
The Chongqing Qingyu banquet court feast experience offers a thoughtfully curated evening that balances culture, cuisine, and entertainment. For around $87, you receive a full plate of traditional Bayu flavors, captivating stage performances, and an unforgettable costume transformation. It’s a chance to step back in time in a setting that feels grand yet intimate, making it ideal for those who love authentic cultural encounters.
Travelers seeking a memorable night out—be it with family, friends, or a partner—will find this experience rich in flavor and visual spectacle. The combination of delicious food, engaging stories, and the chance to dress up makes it more than just dinner; it’s a curated journey into Chongqing’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
While the language barrier might be a consideration, the stunning visuals and lively performances compensate for it, offering an experience that’s accessible and fun for most. If you’re craving an evening that’s both immersive and interactive, this cultural feast is a fantastic addition to your Chongqing itinerary.
FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children over 4 years old can participate in the costume transformation, making it enjoyable for families. Unfortunately, the costume experience is not available for children under 4.
What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a celebratory feast featuring traditional Sichuan cuisine, a cultural show with stage performances, and the option for costume transformation.
Can I book the tour in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and choose to pay later, which provides flexibility. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What languages are the performances in?
The performances are conducted in Chinese. Visual storytelling and stage effects help make the show accessible, but some understanding of Chinese may enhance your experience.
How long does the experience last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, expect the evening to last several hours. The event starts at 1862 (presumably a meeting point) and ends back at the same location.
Is this experience suitable for solo travelers or couples?
Absolutely. The immersive nature and optional costume transform make it perfect for individuals or couples looking for a unique cultural night out.
Is there transportation included?
Transportation details aren’t specified; it’s best to plan to meet at the designated meeting point. Confirm with the provider if shuttle options are available.
What should I wear?
Smart casual is fine for the dinner and show. If you choose to participate in the costume experience, you’ll receive traditional attire and makeup on-site.
Are there any safety restrictions?
Yes, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances are not permitted on the premises for safety reasons.
Experience a night of regal grandeur, flavorful culinary delights, and cultural storytelling that will surely leave a lasting impression of Chongqing’s vibrant traditions.
You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours NearbyMore Tour Reviews in Chongqing
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