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Laughing at the World, Hengshan Mountain Takes the Stage! This live-action show has tourists exclaiming that they’ve been transported back in time.


Laughing at the World, Hengshan Mountain Takes the Stage!

This live-action show has tourists exclaiming that they’ve been transported back in time.


 



 


 


 

What does Hengshan Mountain look like in your mind?

The majestic North Peak, ancient temples suspended in midair, and thousand-year-old Taoist monasteries?

Starting from this year's Spring Festival,

Hengshan Mountain has a new label—martial arts world.


 


 

On the evening of February 14, The ancient architectural complex in Yue Men Bay is brightly lit and bustling with people.


 

The immersive, on-site performance themed "Hengshan Mountain Love·Martial Arts Spirit" made its debut, bringing Jin Yong's "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" directly to the foot of Hengshan Mountain. The show was an instant hit.


 


 

PART 1

This isn’t watching a play—it’s like “falling into a martial arts world!”


 


 

“Totally amazing! I never expected to be able to step into ‘The Smiling, Proud Wanderer’ firsthand at the foot of Hengshan Mountain.”

Mr. Li from Guangdong is a fan of Jin Yong. He had planned to visit Hengshan Mountain for a “pilgrimage,” but happened to stumble upon this performance and ended up with an unexpected delight.

His feelings express what many people are thinking—

The stage isn’t just a set—it’s the ancient architectural complex itself in Yue Men Bay. Nestled against the mountains and by the water, as soon as the lights come on, the atmosphere is instantly amplified to its fullest. Actors walk right by you, and the fight scenes unfold before your very eyes, leaving you unsure whether you’re watching a play or have somehow become part of it yourself.

On Sigu Cliff, the tangled emotions between Linghu Chong and Yue Lingshan tug at one’s heartstrings; by Heimu Cliff, Dongfang Bubai’s imposing aura sends shivers down the spines of all present; deep within the Green Bamboo Grove, as the melody of “Laughing at the World” comes to an end, the grudges and rivalries of the martial arts world finally find peace.

“Linghu Chong’s carefree demeanor and the Hengshan disciples’ blend of gentleness and strength were portrayed exceptionally well—even their eye expressions were full of drama,” Mr. Li praised repeatedly.


 


 


 

PART 2

The pride of the people of Hengshan Mountain: They now have "their own grand opera" right at their doorstep.


 


 

For the locals, this performance carries yet another layer of meaning.

“As a resident of Hunyuan, I feel especially proud to be able to watch such a high-level live performance right on my doorstep,” said Ms. Wang, who came with her whole family to show their support, smiling from ear to ear.

She said this is the first-ever real-life performance of Hengshan Mountain, and even more remarkable is that it’s filled with “shadows of Hengshan” everywhere—

Siguoya, Heimu Ya, Lüzhu Lin... These classic settings from "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" seem tailor-made for Hengshan Mountain. The plot also incorporates elements of Hengshan's Taoist culture and frontier culture, making it feel familiar to locals and intriguing to visitors from other regions.

“Before, when I introduced Hengshan Mountain to others, I always felt like something was missing. Now it’s much better—just say ‘it’s the very place where ‘The Smiling, Proud Wanderer’ was filmed,’ and everyone gets it right away.” Ms. Wang’s words were filled with pride.


 


 


 


 


 

PART 3

Eastern Evil’s “descension to the mortal realm” sparks interactive fun—kids are laughing their heads off!


 


 

You’ll know whether a performance is good or not by watching the audience’s reaction.

The most exciting part of the evening was undoubtedly the interactive session.

The “Master of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect,” Dongfang Bubai, has completely transformed his character from the sinister and domineering image he portrayed in the series into a “mood-maker” who delivers humorous lines and invites visitors onto the stage to try out martial arts moves. The little kids eagerly raised their hands, learning the techniques with remarkable accuracy on stage, while those watching below laughed so hard they were bent over with laughter.

After one round of the game, you can still receive a special Hengshan Mountain gift. Isn't this the festive atmosphere we've been waiting for?


 


 


 


 


 


 

PART 4

Behind the Scenes: How Much Thought Went Into an “L-Shaped Stage”
 


 


 

Behind such an immersive theatrical production lies months of meticulous refinement.

The show’s director explained that the team put a great deal of thought into the set design: an L-shaped dual-stage setup, a red-and-black mirrored maze theater... The technical terms may sound complicated, but the effect can be summed up in one sentence: It’ll keep you glued to your seat.

The lighting and sound effects are all top-of-the-line. The soaring eaves and upturned corners of the ancient architectural complex blend seamlessly with martial arts elements, offering a breathtaking view at every step—a scene that evokes a unique emotion with each one.

The plot follows the classic motifs of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," but rather than simply copying them, it skillfully weaves together iconic scenes such as Sword Enlightenment at Sighing Cliff, the showdown at Blackwood Cliff, and the alliance in Green Bamboo Grove. Ultimately, it converges on the single word—“returning to one’s heart.” No matter how vast the martial arts world may be, in the end, one must always return to one’s inner self.

Even more remarkable is that the performance integrates Hengshan Mountain's intangible cultural heritage, Taoist culture, and frontier culture, allowing visitors to not only experience the spirit of chivalry but also gain a deeper understanding of Hengshan Mountain's profound cultural heritage.


 


 


 


 

PART 5

18 consecutive performances, plus plenty of cultural and creative products to browse!  
 


 


 

The good news is: this performance isn’t a “limited-time flash.”

From Starting from the third day of the first lunar month (February 19th) "Hengshan Mountain Love·Martial Arts Style" will be performed for 18 consecutive shows, fully satisfying visitors' viewing needs.

There are three more preview performances before the Spring Festival: on the 14th, 15th, and 16th. If you’re eager to be among the first to experience it, now’s the time to jump in!

Don't rush to leave after the performance. The venue also features a cultural and tourism information desk and a special zone showcasing creative cultural products. You'll find Hengshan Astragalus, Hunyuan Cool Jelly, porcelain, local snacks... and even martial arts-themed derivative products. Pick up a few items to take home, and only then will your trip be truly complete.

After the performance ended, the tourists were reluctant to leave for a long time and eagerly pulled out their phones to take photos as souvenirs.

“Just go back and recommend it to your friends—watch the performance, climb Hengshan Mountain, and experience the world of martial arts—all in one trip,” said a tourist, voicing what many people are thinking.

From "Hengshan Mountain" to "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," this thousand-year-old famous mountain is entering the hearts of more people in a brand-new way.


 


 


 

        Performance Tips:

Location: Hengshan Mountain · Yue Men Wan Ancient Architectural Complex

Performances: Three preview performances from February 14 to 16, followed by 18 consecutive performances starting February 19.

Highlights: Immersive martial arts experience, integration of intangible cultural heritage, interactive games for great prizes.

Surroundings: Cultural and Creative Exhibition Area, Specialty Snacks, Hengshan Souvenirs

 

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