During the May Day holiday, Beijing SKP, one of the city's premier luxury shopping venues, hosted a remarkable event. On May 1 and 2, Hangzhou Suntiandy Culture and Performing Arts Co., Ltd showcased an extraordinary circus performance, turning the mall into a theatrical marvel.
I was fortunate to attend on May 1 and witnessed all three segments of this impressive show, which left a strong impression on me.
Ideal for enthusiasts of physical comedy, the performance featured an exciting blend of elegance and enjoyment, including mime, contortion, shoulder ballet, diabolo, and magic tricks. The elaborate, opulent stage designs were specifically created to encourage audience interaction. With each segment of the show, a large and diverse crowd, encompassing children and adults, locals and expatriates, gathered around to experience the thrill and engage in the fun.
The costumes and makeup were among the most intricate I have ever encountered; each character crafted a distinct universe through their attire. Combined with the floral-themed main stage, multi-level performances, and immersive parades throughout the venue, the production provided ever-shifting scenery and total immersion. Notably, this performance was different from previous shows in Wuhan and Chengdu, featuring an eight-member cast from various backgrounds, including two new characters: the suited man and the magician.
The lively, captivating music allowed people to easily locate the performances by following the pulsating bass. The shows were divided into three segments:
Part 1: The Fantasy Parade
The cast enchanted the audience as they paraded around the entire first floor of the mall, engaging visitors with balloons, magic tricks, acrobatics, and more. Many of the tricks involved inviting young children from the audience to participate! It was an ideal daytime activity for the May holiday: enjoy lunch, browse, and stroll around the mall with this fantastic cast!
Part 2: The Fixed-Location Circus
The cast delivered two brief yet mesmerizing experiences that showcased each performer with solo acts.
Part 3: The Magical Garden Circus Wonderland Show
The finale was not to be missed. Taking place on the fourth floor in an open space specifically designed for this show (complete with real flowers!), each performer was utterly captivating. The stage they created was a visual delight, drawing crowds eager to see them execute impossible feats while weaving a beautiful story.
Although this fabulous May Day performance has concluded, it isn't the sole reason to visit SKP Beijing. The intervals between each act provided a perfect chance to explore every floor of the luxurious mall. The food options were plentiful, with quick meals in the basement food court and family-friendly restaurants on the fifth and sixth floors. Choices ranged from Japanese to Singaporean cuisine, and I would have been happy to dine at any of them.
The breaks during each performance were also an excellent opportunity to browse the mall's numerous shops, from high-end international clothing and shoe brands to delightful home gadgets on display. Enhancing the sensory experience, each floor even had its own unique scent.
From my exploration, it was evident that SKP is genuinely friendly towards expats and tourists. Notable features include in-store "instant tax refund" (离境退税, or "buy now, refund now") and bilingual service at the information desk, alongside bilingual signage throughout the mall.
Beijing SKP truly is the ultimate one-stop shopping destination for expats in Beijing, and visiting during the May Day holiday is certainly an excellent choice!
Beijing SKP
87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区建国路87号
Images: courtesy of Beijing SKP
The recent circus at SKP was a sight to see.
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The recent circus at SKP was a sight to see.
After a four-year break, Slowboat has returned to the forefront.
The recent circus at SKP was a sight to see.
After a four-year break, Slowboat has returned to the forefront.
The recent circus at SKP was a spectacle to see.