Shipai Ancient Town
石牌古镇（徽班发源地）
A thousand-year-old town in Huaining County, regarded as the birthplace of the Hui troupes, forerunners of Peking opera. The saying 'No Shipai, no troupe' comes from here, and old streets and opera stages remain.
Shipai Town lies on the banks of the Wan River in Huaining County. In the Qing dynasty it was an important stop on Anqing's river trade routes and a center of opera. Many performers in the Four Great Hui Troupes that entered Beijing during the Qianlong era came from Shipai, which gave rise to the saying 'No Shipai, no troupe.' It is regarded as a major source of Peking opera and was also an early center of Huangmei opera. Today the ancient town preserves some old streets, historic residences, and opera stages. The relevant authorities have built a Hui troupe opera exhibition venue (opening hours follow local notices). It is about 45 kilometers from Anqing city and is best reached by car. The town is still a residential area, so visitors should avoid disturbing residents.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Chen Duxiu Tomb Park
- Daopashi Historic Street
- Huangmei Opera Guild Hall
- King of Ying Mansion
- Shitaishidi (Zhao Puchu's Former Residence)
- Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Anqing
- Former Anhui University Red Building & Jingfu Academy
- Yingjiang Temple & Zhenfeng Pagoda