During the May Day holiday, Beijing SKP, a top luxury shopping hub in Beijing, hosted a remarkable event. On May 1 and 2, Hangzhou Suntiandy Culture and Performing Arts Co., Ltd showcased an extraordinary circus performance that turned the mall into a magical theater.
I was fortunate to attend on May 1 and witnessed all three segments of this spectacular show, which left a lasting impression on me.
Ideal for lovers of physical comedy, the performance featured an exhilarating blend of elegance and amusement, including mime, contortion, shoulder ballet, diabolo, and magic acts. The intricately designed, opulent stage setups were specifically crafted to encourage audience engagement. With each segment, a large and diverse audience—comprising children and adults, locals and expatriates—gathered around to enjoy the excitement and participate in the festivities.
The costumes and makeup were among the most intricate I've ever encountered, with each character encapsulating an entire world through their attire. Alongside the floral-themed main stage, multi-level performances scattered throughout the venue, and immersive parades, the production delivered ever-changing backdrops and complete spatial involvement. Furthermore, this performance stood out from earlier presentations in Wuhan and Chengdu; the Beijing show featured an eight-member cast from varied backgrounds, including two additional characters: the suited man and the magician.
The lively, engaging music made it easy to locate the performance by simply following the driving bass line. The show was divided into three acts:
Part 1: The Fantasy Parade
The cast enchanted the audience as they roamed the first floor of the mall, entertaining visitors with gifts of balloons, magic tricks, acrobatics, and more. Many tricks involved little children from the audience, making it the perfect daytime May holiday outing: grab lunch, explore, and stroll through the mall with this talented ensemble!
Part 2: The Fixed-Location Circus
The cast delivered two brief, yet enchanting performances focusing on individual members showcasing their unique talents.
Part 3: The Magical Garden Circus Wonderland Show
The grand finale was truly unforgettable. Set on the fourth floor in a specially designated area for this performance (complete with live flowers!), each performer was mesmerizing. The stage they created was a stunning sight, drawing crowds to see the artists perform breathtaking feats while developing a captivating storyline.
Although this spectacular May Day performance has concluded, it certainly isn't the only reason to visit SKP Beijing. The intermissions offered me a chance to explore each level of the luxurious mall. Dining options were plentiful, ranging from quick food court meals in the basement to family-friendly restaurants on the fifth and sixth floors. Cuisines varied from Japanese to Singaporean, and I would have eagerly stopped to dine at any of them.
The breaks between acts were also the perfect opportunity to browse the numerous stores in the mall, featuring both luxurious international brands and fun home appliances ready to test. Adding to the sensory experience, each floor even had its unique scent.
From my visit, it was clear that SKP is genuinely welcoming to expatriates and tourists alike. Notable features include the in-store "instant tax refund" service (离境退税, or "buy now, refund now") and bilingual assistance at the information desk along with bilingual signage throughout the mall.
Beijing SKP is truly the ultimate shopping destination for expatriates in Beijing, and the May Day holiday is certainly an ideal time to experience it!
Beijing SKP
87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国路87号
Images: courtesy of Beijing SKP
After a four-year break, Slowboat has returned to the forefront.
After a four-year break, Slowboat has returned to the forefront.
Following a four-year break, Slowboat has returned to the forefront.
The recent circus at SKP was a sight to see.
The recent circus at SKP was a sight to see.
The recent circus at SKP was a spectacle to see.
The recent circus at SKP was a sight to see.