Processed with Snapseed.
Film director Zhang Yimou achieved international acclaim with his production of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
If you were impressed with his Olympics production, you will be in awe of his Impression series which he has been creating years before the 2008 Olympics.
Impression is a series of shows throughout China which highlight nature’s beauty and the legends of Chinese traditions. Using the natural environment as the outdoor stage, Yimou impresses audiences with his masterful creations with lights, music, and choreography.
Witnessing his shows are a tourism draw. Impression Sanjie Liu in Yangshuo, Impression Lijiiang, and Impression West Lake are must-see productions for any lover of the arts – and even if you aren’t you will undoubtedly be impressed with Zhang Yimou’s Impression.
Yimou’s third Impression production premiered in 2007 in Hangzhou’s West Lake using the water as the physical stage.
Impression West Lake recounts a thousand-year-old love story in a five-act play through the couple’s encounter, falling in love, saying goodbye, their memories, and the lasting impression.
The open-air production uses all of the lake’s natural beauty – from the waters to the trees to the mountains in the backdrop. The co-star of the stage is the lighting production which draws in audiences through colors and movement. Equally astonishing, if not more, is the cast of hundreds of actors and dancers flowing in rhythm to the enchanting music.
The production briefly closed for renovations and revamping. It reopened earlier this year to more rave reviews. The show was most recently presented to the G20 Summit impressing the leaders of the world.
You can book tickets online through private tour operators or ask your hotel’s concierge for assistance. There are various seating options, including a VIP Boat Seat. While that may be appealing, the vantage point from the center seats has optimal views of the entire production.
TripAdvisor reviews and photos of Impression West Lake
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!
Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!
Originally published September 2017 Complete luxury at the InterContinental Koh Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort…
Red Wine of Summer. Tinto de Verano, or also seen in Spanish menus as Tinto…
Making the Most of Your Stay in Japan Japan is a destination for non-stop eating.…
Originally posted April 19, 2021 Reposted March 21, 2023 How the Spring Roll Evolved in…
Hoshino Resorts KAI Enshu: A Luxury Retreat in Shizuoka Ryokans are a uniquely Japanese experience…
The History of Oyakodon & Where to Get a Great Bowl Oyakodon is considered an…