During the May Day holiday, Beijing SKP, one of the city's premier luxury shopping venues, hosted an incredible 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 theatrical wonderland.
I had the fortune of attending on May 1 and experiencing all three segments of this remarkable show, which featured many standout elements. Perfect for enthusiasts of physical comedy, the performance presented a thrilling blend of elegance and entertainment, including mime, contortion, shoulder ballet, diabolo, and magic acts. The show's elaborate and luxurious stage designs were tailored specifically for audience interaction. With each segment, a large and diverse audience, comprising children and adults, locals and expats, gathered around to witness the spectacle and to participate in the festivities.
The costumes and makeup were among the most intricate I have ever encountered, with each character constructing an entire universe through their attire. Coupled with the floral-themed main stage, multi-level performances scattered throughout, and immersive parades across the venue, the production provided constantly shifting scenery and complete immersion in the space. Additionally, this performance differed from previous shows in Wuhan and Chengdu: the Beijing version featured an eight-person cast from various backgrounds, along with two new characters: the suited man and the magician.
The lively and engaging music made it easy to locate the performance simply by following the pulsating bass. The shows were divided into three parts:
Part 1: The Fantasy Parade
The cast charmed the audience as they roamed the entire first floor of the mall, entertaining visitors with balloon animals, magic tricks, acrobatics, and more. Many of the tricks invited small children from the audience to join in! It was an ideal daytime May holiday activity: enjoy lunch, browse, and stroll around the mall with this amazing troupe!
Part 2: The Fixed-Location Circus
The cast delivered two brief but enchanting segments that showcased individual performers in solo acts.
Part 3: The Magical Garden Circus Wonderland Show
The finale was truly unmissable. Set on the fourth floor in an open area specifically designed for this event (complete with real flowers!), every performer was absolutely mesmerizing. The stage they created was stunning, captivating crowds with their unbelievable stunts while weaving a beautiful narrative.
While this spectacular May Day performance may have concluded, it certainly isn’t the sole reason to visit SKP Beijing. The time between acts provided me with the perfect chance to explore each floor of the luxurious mall. Dining options were plentiful: from quick food court-style meals on the basement level to family-friendly restaurants on the fifth and sixth floors. The cuisines ranged from Japanese to Singaporean, and I would have happily dined at any one of them.
The breaks between each act were also ideal for browsing the many shops within the mall, from high-end international clothing and shoe brands to quirky home appliances ready for demonstration. Each floor even had its own unique scent, enhancing the sensory experience.
From my exploration, it was clear that SKP is genuinely welcoming to expats and tourists. Notable features include in-store "instant tax refund" services and bilingual assistance at the information desk, with signage throughout the mall also available in multiple languages.
Beijing SKP truly stands out as the ultimate shopping destination for expats in Beijing, and the May Day holiday is undoubtedly a perfect time to visit!
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.
The recent circus at SKP was a sight to see.
Following a four-year break, Slowboat has returned to the forefront.
After 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 spectacle to see.
The recent circus at SKP was a sight to see.