Performing Arts in China

The 4th Music Week for Schools in Western China, themed “Music Enriches the Soul, Inspiring the Pursuit of Beauty,” concluded at the Yunnan Grand Theatre in Kunming on Nov 11. Held in Yunnan for the first time since its launch in 2023, this year's event brought together 258 schools and more than 15,000 teachers and students from Yunnan, Chongqing, Sichuan and Guizhou. The event provided a platform for teachers and students from urban and rural schools and different educational levels to showcase their talents, exchange experiences and learn from one another, helping advance high-quality arts education across western China. #Yunnan #YunnanCulture

Chinese instrumental soloists and the Mei Jie Youth Orchestra will perform at the Shandong Grand Theatre in Jinan, Shandong province, at 7:30 pm on Nov 15. The concert will open with Chinese instrumental classics featuring the guzheng, erhu, and pipa. The second half will feature the Huaxia Festival Suite, conceived and commissioned by Mei Jie Music founder Liu Yisheng and composed by Liu Yuhui, who will conduct. Inspired by classical Chinese poetry, its nine movements unite Chinese instruments and Western strings to celebrate nine traditional festivals, from Lantern Festival to Chinese New Year’s Eve. Tickets: 80–480 yuan. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Shandong Grand Theatre]

What happens when an erhu (two-stringed Chinese fiddle) meets heavy metal? For Bo Caisheng, music director of Phantom Blade Zero, it opens up new possibilities for Chinese music. Blending traditional instruments with rock, hip-hop, and electronic sounds, Bo creates a score rooted in Chinese culture yet boldly contemporary. He also brings reconstructed ancient instruments into the mix, giving them new music to play. Beyond setting the mood, recurring musical motifs help tell the story, while the score responds to players’ actions. For Bo, technology serves expression, helping traditional Chinese sounds find a new place in today’s world. #ChineseMusic #GameMusic #PhantomBladeZero

Held from Oct 27 to Nov 1, the 15th Shanghai International Magic Week brought magic closer to everyday city life under the theme “Magic and Urban Life”. Featuring over 60 events, including performances, lectures, street shows, and public showcases, the festival attracted more than 300,000 visitors. Exhibitors from six countries also presented the latest innovations in magic props and technology. As a platform for international exchange and emerging talent, the event continues to inspire creativity and bring Chinese magic to the world! [Photo/Official WeChat account of China Acrobatics Association] #ShanghaiInternationalMagicWeek #Magic #ShanghaiEvents #PerformingArts

Discover the beauty of Tibetan culture through Zhaxi Xiazhuo, China’s first tap dance drama. Inspired by the 700-year-old national intangible cultural heritage of Lazi Duixie, a traditional Tibetan folk song and tap dance, this production blends traditional Tibetan dance, music, and modern theatrical techniques. Through a touching story spanning two generations, it celebrates friendship, ethnic unity, and the preservation of cultural heritage. 📍 Minnan Grand Theatre, Xiamen, Fujian province 🗓 Nov 11–13 📍 Dong'an Lake Grand Theatre, Chengdu, Sichuan province 🗓 Nov 19–21 Experience the vibrant rhythms and heartfelt stories of the Tibetan Plateau! [Photo/Official WeChat account of the dance drama Zhaxi Xiazhuo] #ZhaxiXiazhuo #TibetanDance #TapDanceDrama #IntangibleCulturalHeritage

The Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra will present a New Year concert at the Opera Hall of Zhuhai Grand Theater in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, at 8 pm on Jan 12, 2027. Under the baton of Kakhi Solomnishvili, with pianist David Khrikuli as soloist, the orchestra will perform Revaz Lagidze’s Wrestling (Sachidao), Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The concert will last approximately 90 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets will go on sale at 10 am on Nov 14. The program is subject to change. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Zhuhai Grand Theater] #ClassicalMusic #NewYearConcert #Zhuhai

How does a young shepherd girl rise to become a celebrated Qinqiang Opera star? Adapted from Chen Yan's novel with the same title, winner of China's 10th Mao Dun Literature Prize, The Protagonist is a compelling stage play that seamlessly blends Qinqiang Opera with drama, portraying the journey of Yi Qin'e — her perseverance, sacrifice, and dedication to the stage against the backdrop of a changing era. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Beijing Dance Drama & Opera] Jingjiang Grand Theatre, Taizhou, Jiangsu province Nov 21–22 | 7:30 pm Yiwu Cultural Plaza Theatre, Jinhua, Zhejiang province Nov 27–28 | 7:30 pm Don't miss this captivating theatrical experience! #QinqiangOpera #ChineseCulture #PerformingArts #DramaScene

The 12th Wenshan Sanqi Festival, with a spectacular gala, kicked off on Nov 7 in Wenshan, Yunnan province. Through dance, folk art showcases, and original theatrical performances, four themed chapters brought the story of Wenshan Sanqi (Chinese notoginseng) to life, celebrating its heritage, craftsmanship, innovation, and future.

The world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra is coming to Haikou, #Hainan, for two concerts at the Haikou Bay Performing Arts Center on Nov 11 and 12. Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop will return to Hainan with the orchestra. At the Nov 12 concert, Chinese pianist Zhang Haochen will join the performance. Scan the QR code in on the poster to book tickets. #GlobalHainan #HainanEvents #Haikou #PhiladelphiaOrchestra #ClassicalMusic Time: Nov 11 and 12, 8:00 pm. Prices: 1,080 yuan, 880 yuan, 680 yuan, 480 yuan, and 100 yuan. The first four ticket categories are available at 20% off for a limited time, at 864 yuan, 704 yuan, 544 yuan, and 384 yuan, respectively.

On Wednesday, Fujian Peking Opera Theatre brought its new historical production of The Terrace of a Mother's Waiting to Hubei Theatre in Wuhan, as part of the 11th China Peking Opera Festival. Set against the backdrop of the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC) and inspired by archaeological discoveries of the ancient Rui State in Shaanxi, the opera tells the poignant story of Rui Jiang, who sacrifices her bond with her son to save her people and ultimately defends the kingdom.

From Nov 13 to 15, St. Petersburg's Masterskaya Theatre will bring Dostoevsky's literary masterpiece The Brothers Karamazov to Beijing’s Capital Theatre as part of the 2026 Beijing People's Art Theatre International Theatre Festival. Directed by Grigory Kozlov, this powerful three-act production explores faith, desire, guilt, and morality through intense performances, inviting audiences to revisit the timeless struggle within the human soul. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Beijing People's Art Theatre] brnw.ch/21x6VIH

The National Theatre of China's play Green Snake kicked off its Wuxi run on Oct 30, as part of the 2026 Taihu Culture and Arts Season in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. Adapted from Li Bihua's novel and directed by Tian Qinxin, this fresh retelling of the Legend of the White Snake blends stunning water-stage effects, Wuxi dialect, and local cultural touches. Through the Green Snake's eyes, a timeless tale of love, identity, and humanity comes alive with a new generation of actors. [Photo/Official WeChat account of National Theatre of China]

French musical sensation Le Roi Soleil (The Sun King) made its China debut at Shanghai Culture Square, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a revival by the original creative team. Featuring 30 songs, spectacular staging, and original star Emmanuel Moire, the production marks its first journey beyond the French-speaking world. With 21 performances scheduled through Nov 15, Shanghai once again takes center stage in China-France cultural exchange!

Shanghai took center stage as the 34th Operalia – The World Opera Competition made its Shanghai debut on Nov 1, marking its first return to China since 2012! Founded by legendary tenor Plácido Domingo, the prestigious “Olympics of Opera” brought together 34 talented singers from over a dozen countries, including five from China. Featuring world-class judges, masterclasses and a grand finale, the event celebrated emerging talent and inspired the next generation of opera stars. @PlacidoDomingo @operaliacomp

Since its premiere in 1979, Legend on the Silk Road has captivated audiences worldwide, bringing the rich cultural heritage of Dunhuang to the global stage. Set against the backdrop of the ancient Silk Road, the dance drama tells a timeless tale of love, friendship and cultural exchange between a Chinese dancer and a Persian merchant. Now returning in a spectacularly upgraded production, the iconic masterpiece brings to life breathtaking scenes such as the Thousand-Hand Guanyin and Pipa Played Behind the Back. The result of a meticulous two-and-a-half-year revival, this new production remains deeply rooted in the authentic traditions of Dunhuang dance while embracing a fresh artistic vision for contemporary audiences. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Shanghai Oriental Art Center] @IntlServicesSH Nov 7-8 | Shanghai Oriental Art Center

What happens when music becomes a character in its own right? Premiering Nov 11-12 at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center, the drama Mozart, produced by Vakhtangov State Academic Theatre of Russia, will bring the legendary composer’s music to life. Over three hours, around 16 Mozart works are woven into the drama, with carefully selected melodies and even a few notes deepening the story’s emotional impact. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Shanghai Oriental Art Center]

La Dame aux Camélias — the timeless French classic — will take the stage at Wuhan Qintai Grand Theatre, from Nov 13 to 15! Experience this original French-language musical featuring 19 talented French performers and a fresh, female-led perspective on Marguerite’s unforgettable journey. Expect breathtaking performances, striking visuals and a moving story of love, courage and sacrifice. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of French musical theatre right here in Wuhan! #LaDameAuxCamelias