During the National Day Holiday, Qianshan’s Xuehu Invites You to a Romantic Journey into the Three Kingdoms
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2026-09-28The seven-day National Day holiday is approaching. Have you decided where to go?
Instead of facing enormous crowds at popular attractions, come to Qianshan, Anhui. Climb Tianzhushan’s extraordinary peaks, experience Xuehu’s nightscape, and encounter a romantic tale of war and love from 1,800 years ago through a spectacular live waterborne performance.
The large-scale immersive waterborne night-tour production Lakebound Dreams: Xiao Qiao’s Wedding will be performed as usual throughout the National Day holiday.
It is an immersive experience where the boat moves across the lake and the audience travels inside the drama.
Unlike watching a performance from a fixed seat in a theater, Lakebound Dreams: Xiao Qiao’s Wedding transforms the entire lake into a natural theater. Distant mountains and ancient towers become the backdrop, while floating platforms, performance boats, and illuminated corridors around the lake unfold layer by layer.
As the boat moves, the audience follows the story. You are no longer a spectator standing outside the action, but a participant inside the world of the Three Kingdoms.
Six Acts Along the Lake
Based on the love story of Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao, the production unfolds in six acts:
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Ripples of Water, Echoes of Light
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A Young Man of Jiangdong
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Kindred Spirits by the Wan River
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Warm Human Fireworks
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When the Wind Rises at the Green Blades’ Tips
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The Flames of Red Cliffs
The story develops along the lake, moving from the couple’s first emotional connection by the water to their devotion amid the flames of war. As the boat progresses, the plot grows more dramatic while remaining tender and lyrical.
Lu Ang, chief director of the production and Director of the Department of Directing at Shanghai Theatre Academy, explained the creative concept:
“The graceful waters of Xuehu carry the thousand-year romantic legend of Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao. We chose the classic episode of ‘Xiao Qiao’s first marriage’ as the core and adopted a boat-based night-tour format, allowing static cultural heritage to come alive.”
The creative team also moves beyond the traditional Three Kingdoms narrative, which often focuses on political schemes and military conflict. Instead, the production reconstructs the epic from a female perspective, carefully portraying Xiao Qiao’s growth and awakening amid a turbulent era.
Musically, the show uses “Youthful Huangmei Opera” as its creative medium. Its vocal style preserves the traditional charm of Huangmei Opera while incorporating modern musical-theater arrangements, giving this ancient art form a fresh and youthful energy.
National Day Special Offer
One ticket, two experiences
This National Day holiday, Qianshan is offering the combined experience of “Climb Tianzhu by Day, Tour Xuehu by Night.”
Purchase a full-price ticket for Lakebound Dreams: Xiao Qiao’s Wedding for RMB 198 per person and receive one Tianzhushan Scenic Area admission ticket free of charge.
By day, climb Tianzhushan, admire the majestic peak that rises like a pillar supporting the sky, walk along Hundred-step Ladder, explore Mystery Valley, and experience the extraordinary landscapes of a UNESCO Global Geopark.
At night, board a boat on Xuehu and dream back into the Three Kingdoms amid light, music, and opera.
In a single day, you can experience both magnificent landscapes and an unforgettable story.
Qianshan residents: Residents of Qianshan may purchase a local resident ticket for RMB 98 per person with their own ID cards.
01. Performance Guide
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Venue: Xuehu Pier, Xuehuli Historic and Cultural District, Qianshan City
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National Day performances: October 1–7, two performances daily
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First performance: 19:00–20:00
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Second performance: 20:30–21:30
02. Ticket Purchase
Online
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Search “Xuehuli Historic and Cultural District” on Douyin.
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Search “Lakebound Dreams: Xiao Qiao’s Wedding” on Ctrip.
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Search for the “Tianzhushan Tourism Official Platform” mini program on WeChat.
On-site
Tickets may be purchased at the Xuehu Pier ticket office from 18:00 to 20:30 on the day of the performance.
03. Important Reminders
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Please arrive at the Xuehu Pier ticket-checking area at least 20 minutes before the performance. Ticket checking closes three minutes before departure.
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The performance includes fireworks and intense flashing-light effects. Pregnant visitors, people with heart conditions, and those with photosensitive epilepsy should purchase tickets with caution.
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In the event of thunderstorms, strong winds, or other severe weather, the performance may be adjusted or canceled temporarily. Please follow official notices.
This National Day, come to Qianshan.
Stand on Tianzhushan’s summit during the day and feel the mountain breeze. At night, sit aboard a boat on Xuehu and watch a great story of love, growth, home, and country.
Some romances are worth crossing a thousand years to keep.
Qianshan’s Xuehu is waiting for you to enter the story.