Beijing: Red Theater Kung Fu Show & Temple of Heaven Tickets

One ticket covers two of Beijing's biggest draws—the acrobatics and the ancient temple

You spend your day wandering the Temple of Heaven's imperial grounds and watching Shaolin acrobatics at the Red Theater in the evening, with both entries included in a single ticket purchase. English subtitles let you follow the kung fu story without a language barrier. The bundle saves you from booking separately and paying duplicate fees, and the timing is flexible enough to fit your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Temple of Heaven and Kung Fu Show

• Explore Temple of Heaven park
• See Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
• Visit Circular Mound Altar and Imperial Vault
• Walk tree-shaded paths and watch tai chi
• Attend Red Theater Kung Fu acrobatics show

The Experience

The Temple of Heaven sits in the heart of Beijing as a sprawling compound where Ming and Qing emperors once came to pray for good harvests. Walking through it, you'll pass the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its distinctive blue glazed-tile roof, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The whole place has this quiet, deliberate feel—locals doing tai chi under old cypress trees, the geometry of everything built to mirror ancient beliefs about round heaven and square earth. You can spend a few hours here without rushing, moving between the shaded walkways and soaking in what Beijing life actually looks like when tourists aren't the main event.

Then in the evening you head to the Red Theater for The Legend of Kung Fu. It's a live production that doesn't mess around—Shaolin monks doing weapon routines, acrobats launching themselves through the air, dancers moving with this kind of controlled precision that makes you hold your breath. The whole thing follows a young monk's story, and even though it's performed in Mandarin, English subtitles run across the stage so you're not lost. The lighting design and the original score do most of the heavy lifting anyway. It's the kind of show where you can feel the training behind every movement, and the stunts are genuinely live, which means there's a realness to it that video can't quite capture.

What makes this bundle work is that you're not buying two separate tickets and coordinating two different entry times. One purchase covers both the Temple of Heaven and the Red Theater show, which cuts down on the logistics and the extra fees. The Temple visit can happen during the day at whatever pace suits you—morning, early afternoon, whenever—and then you head to the theater in the evening. Wheelchair access is available at both venues, and public transportation runs near both locations, so getting around Beijing between the two isn't complicated.

What’s included

• Entrance fee to the Temple of Heaven.
• Red Theater Legend of Kung Fu show ticket with English subtitles.
• wheelchair-accessible venues and transportation options.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Splendid Tang Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see two major Beijing attractions in one day without arranging separate bookings and entry fees—the bundle handles both the logistics and the cost, leaving you to decide only when to visit each one.

Top questions

What time does the Red Theater show start?

The show runs in the evening, though specific start times vary by date. Check your booking confirmation for the exact time on your selected night.

Can I visit the Temple of Heaven and the theater show on different days?

The bundle includes both attractions, but you'll need to confirm with the provider whether the entries are valid on the same day or can be used separately.

Is there a guide at the Temple of Heaven?

No guide is included. You explore the Temple of Heaven at your own pace, though signage and the layout make it straightforward to navigate.

Are there restaurants or cafes at the Temple of Heaven?

The Temple of Heaven compound has facilities for visitors, though it's worth bringing water and snacks if you plan to spend several hours there.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes, passport information for all travelers is required at booking, and you should carry your ID when you visit.

Is the show suitable for children?

Yes. The acrobatics and kung fu are visually engaging for kids, and English subtitles help follow the story. Infants can be brought in strollers.