The 2025 Chinese Opera (Kunshan) Festival commenced on September 8, 2025, in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, marking a significant celebration of traditional Chinese opera. This year’s festival, co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, emphasizes martial arts theater, showcasing the dynamic interplay between traditional performance and physical artistry.
The opening ceremony featured martial arts excerpts performed by six esteemed masters of Chinese opera, highlighting the festival’s commitment to both preserving and innovating traditional art forms. The festival will run until September 20, 2025, during which 20 martial artists from various regions will deliver 10 joint performances, illustrating the vibrant evolution of Chinese opera.
Throughout the festival, participants recognized for their contributions to Chinese opera were honored. Certificates were awarded to those selected for the 2025 National Leading Talent Development Program. Additionally, institutions acknowledged as Outstanding Opera Production Initiatives by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism from 2020 to 2024 received commendations.
Festival Highlights and Signature Programs
This year’s festival features a robust lineup of five signature programs, which include opening and closing ceremonies, a national showcase dedicated to opera performers focusing on martial arts theater, and invited performances of renowned productions. Furthermore, there will be opera symposia and initiatives aimed at preserving endangered opera forms.
The festival also includes five extension programs designed to broaden audience engagement. These initiatives encompass opera exchange and promotion activities, the “Watch Opera, Visit Jiangsu” cultural tourism campaign, a special exhibition at the Chinese Opera Museum, a traditional opera cultural marketplace, and a digital promotion platform.
In total, 39 performances will occur during the festival, featuring an impressive 107 productions from 53 ensembles representing 31 distinct opera traditions. Performances will be staged across various venues, including traditional theaters, historic towns, museums, universities, and scenic sites, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Chinese opera.
Historical Context and Future Development
Kunshan holds a special significance as the birthplace of Kunqu Opera, recognized as the earliest form of Chinese opera. This festival marks the seventh consecutive year that Kunshan has hosted the event, further solidifying its role as a center for traditional arts. A new three-year action plan has been launched to guide the future development of the festival, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive.
From 2018 to 2024, the festival has showcased an impressive array of 348 opera genres, including puppetry and shadow theater, bringing together 494 organizations that staged 295 performances featuring a total of 606 excerpts. The festival has attracted record audiences, both in person and online, reflecting a growing interest in traditional Chinese opera and its artistic expressions.
The 2025 Chinese Opera (Kunshan) Festival not only serves as a platform for showcasing talent but also emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and innovation in the arts. As it unfolds, the festival promises to captivate audiences while honoring the rich traditions of Chinese opera.
