The NCPA drama commission Backpackers is set in Beijing in 2026. Centered around a siheyuan hostel along the city’s Central Axis, the play brings together backpackers from across the country, weaving their personal stories into the vibrant life of the hutongs and the rich cultural heritage of the ancient capital.
As a work of contemporary realism deeply rooted in the present, Backpackers portrays the doubts and aspirations, struggles and reconciliations of ordinary people through nuanced and heartfelt storytelling. From life in the hutongs to the sunrise over the Great Wall, from the cultural lineage of the Central Axis to the timeless flow of the Grand Canal, the city’s landscapes and memories intertwine with the characters’ inner journeys, bringing the lives and emotions of today to the stage with tangible warmth and weight.
Creatives
Playwright: WANG Jian
Director: HUANG Ying
Stage Designer: ZHANG Kunpeng
Lighting Designer: HAN Dong
Multimedia Designer: LUO Xinxin
Costume Designer: WAN Lan
Makeup Designer: LIN Yajie
Composer: WEN Ziyang
Props Designer: GANG Mengyao
Sound Effects and Audio Designer: ZHAO Lijie
Cast
ZHAO Yan: XU Zixuan*
Songsong: ZHANG Xuewen*/GUO Shuojie*
MA Shang: Peter Bieder (Germany) / Rifat
ZHAO Zhiqiang: DONG Wenliang*
LIU Sanma: WANG Qianyu*
CHENG Shi: GUO Shuojie*/ZHANG Xuewen*
Old Mr. LI: WU Song*
TIAN Xiaocui: XU Yangling
LIN Wanting: WANG Wenjie*
Xiao Zhou: LIU Beibei*
Female Passengers: PAN Yilin, HA Xiaoqing, MAO Xiya, YANG Di
Male Passengers: XING Kaicheng, BIAN Jianglong, SHEN Qianxiang, YANG Wentao, LI Wei
*Members of the NCPA Drama Ensemble
Tucked away in a quiet hutong, a traditional courtyard hostel has become a welcoming stopover for backpackers from around the world.
Some carry the burdens of their profession, their earnest nature causing them to run into obstacles at every turn, only to find the warmth of technology amid the bustle of everyday life. Some struggle with the weight of identity, caught between family expectations and personal aspirations, only to rediscover hope through journeys far from home. Some are driven by a longing deeply rooted in their heritage, crossing the strait in search of their ancestors' footsteps and finding a sense of belonging in the cultural legacy of China's ancient capital. Others return after a lifetime abroad, carrying promises made long ago and a yearning that has endured for decades, finally fulfilling the timeless wish of fallen leaves returning to their roots.
The heroine, ZHAO Yan, was once a passionate backpacker who dreamed of exploring the world. But after a life-changing incident, she abandoned her travels and withdrew to a courtyard hostel tucked away in the hutongs near Qianmen. Through her daily encounters and heartfelt conversations with its guests, she gradually comes to terms with the dreams she left behind and the wounds she has yet to heal. In the end, she packs her backpack once more and sets off on a journey of self-discovery.
*Please purchase tickets through authorized channels to avoid counterfeiting. Before completing your purchase, please verify the performance date, time, venue, and seat number carefully. Performance tickets are time-sensitive and limited in availability. Once a transaction has been completed, tickets are non-exchangeable, non-refundable and cannot be reissued if lost. Please double-check all ticketing details and securely retain your physical ticket or electronic order. If you are unable to attend due to personal reasons, please make your own arrangements regarding the use of your tickets. We appreciate your understanding as any inconvenience caused.
*The cast, programme, or other performance details are subject to change and shall be based on the live performance. In the event of major adjustments - such as changes to the performance date or lead cast - please refer to the official announcements issued by the NCPA and follow the relevant procedures as instructed.
*The NCPA opens 90 minutes before performances, and 60 minutes before art education lectures and similar events. Auditorium entry begins 45 minutes before performances. For all performances and events, the Northern entrance serves as the sole public entrance. Please ensure that ticket scanning and security screening are completed prior to entry, and allow sufficient time to avoid delays.
*Tickets must be retained in their original, intact condition. Admission will be denied for tickets lacking a stub, or bearing any alterations, obscured information, or defacement. Each ticket is valid for a single entry on the date of the performance. For certain performances, presentation of original valid identification documents is required. Admission will be granted only when the ticket information corresponds with the presented identification.
*Recommended admission height: 1.2 meters and above. Special provisions may apply to certain performances or events, as indicated on the corresponding ticketing page.
*All attendees are required to undergo security screening upon entry. Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited within the NCPA premises. Prohibited items include, but not limited to, firearms and replicas, controlled knives, flammable or explosive substances, toxic or hazardous materials, corrosive substances, and radioactive materials. Any prohibited items discovered will be handed over to public security authorities.
*For safety and hygiene reasons, the NCPA does not provide storage services for food, beverages, or similar items. The following items are not permitted inside the NCPA: food and drinks, flags & banners, electronic cigarettes, power banks exceeding 20000mAh, flowers, recording or photography equipment, and oversized luggage.
*Attendees are requested to address appropriately. Admissions will be denied to individuals who are improperly attired or under the influence of alcohol.
*If you are late, please wait quietly in the audience waiting area. Entry will be permitted under the guidance of ushers during appropriate intermissions or between movements, and you are requested to take the nearest available seat with minimal disturbance. For concerts consisting of a single piece - either for the entire performance or a complete half - late arrivals and audience who leave midway will not be admitted.
*All attendees are requested to observe proper performance etiquette. Please keep quiet and remain seated throughout the entire performance. Mobile phones should be turned off or set to silent mode, and calls should not be made in the auditorium. Photography, audio, or video recording of the performance is strictly prohibited without prior permission. The use of flashlights, including phone flashlights, is not allowed.
*After the performance, please exit the auditoriums in an orderly manner. Loitering is discouraged.
Repertoire
Films
Videos
Podcast
China NCPA Orchestra
China NCPA Chorus
NCPA Resident Singers
NCPA Drama Ensemble
Buildings
Exhibitions
Opening Hours
Services
Western Cuisine
NCPA Café
Arts Gifts
This page provides performance information only.
戏剧场
小剧场
歌剧院
音乐厅
