GUIDE OF VISIT
The "Zhiyinhao" in Wuhan is an immersive multi-dimensional experience theater centered around Yangtze River culture and the legendary "Zhiyin" (Soulmate) narrative, serving as a landmark cultural tourism project in Wuhan. Modeled after the early 20th-century Minsheng Company's "Jianghua Steamship", it recreates the retro charm of Wuhan from the 1920s-1930s. Since its maiden voyage in 2017, it has become a "living museum" on the Yangtze River. Directed by Fan Yue (known for the "Impression" series), the experience combines a vintage steamship with a dockside theater, transporting audiences to the Republican-era Wuhan and pioneering the world’s first "drifting interactive theater."
Zhiyin Cruise Ship
Detailed Overview
1. Core Features & Experience
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Immersive Performance: Breaking traditional stage boundaries, visitors become both spectators and participants. 108 actors perform stories across the ship’s cabins, allowing guests to freely explore scenes like dance halls, tea merchants’ rooms, and Han Opera performers’ quarters, engaging in close-up interactions.
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Drifting Theater: The show unfolds on the Yangtze River, with the ship and dock dynamically linked to narrate Wuhan’s history across its rivers and neighborhoods.
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Retro Atmosphere: The dock features vintage cars and rickshaws, while guests can dress in Republican-era attire, send postcards, or even participate in themed events like custom weddings.
2. Cultural & Historical Significance
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Rooted in "Zhiyin Culture", the experience highlights Wuhan’s blend of patriotism and everyday life through stories of dockworkers, merchants, students, and others.
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Historical details, such as recreations of 1891’s "Heli Soda", merge with modern creativity.
3. Practical Information
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Address: Zhiyinhao Dock, Yanjiang Avenue, Jiang’an District, Wuhan (between Sanyang Road and Wufu Road).
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Hours: Typically 7:00 PM–9:00 PM (closed Mondays); check ticket details for updates.
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Tickets: Adults ¥248 (weekdays) / ¥298 (weekends); children under 1.2m not permitted; student discounts available with ID.
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Transport: Metro Line 1 to Sanyang Road Station (Exit B), 600m walk; Bus 248/527 to Yanjiang Avenue Sanyang Road Station.
4. Social Impact
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By 2020, it had hosted over 300 performances and 200,000+ visitors, recognized as a key cultural project in Wuhan’s 13th Five-Year Plan.
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A 2020 upgrade introduced the theme "Reflections of Wuhan on the River", revitalizing its cultural appeal.
