Performing Arts in China

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

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. #Operalia2026 #PlacidoDomingo

A stage portrait of Dr Sun Yat-sen that trades textbook history for human warmth✨

Can a simple can of luncheon meat hold a lifetime of memories? Singapore’s solo theatre production Last Luncheon moved audiences with its touching portrayal of an elderly man navigating loneliness and life after losing his wife. Blending Hokkien, Cantonese and Mandarin, the play brought to life the memories, traditions and emotions of the Chinese communities in Southeast Asia, capturing the bittersweet meaning of love and farewell. Presented Oct 31 to Nov 1 at the Beijing People's Art Theatre. [Photos/Official WeChat account of Beijing People's Art Theatre]

Dance transcends borders and brings cultures together! Shanghai’s Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival celebrates global contemporary dance through inspiring performances, workshops and cultural exchanges. From Belgian house dance to Tao Dance Theater’s fusion of movement and Chinese poetry, the festival highlights creativity, diversity and the importance of supporting dance for future generations.

A night of musical brilliance lit up the 15th Qintai Music Festival on Oct 24! German violin virtuoso Antje Weithaas took the stage as both soloist and conductor, joining the Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra for an all-Mendelssohn concert. From the sweeping Hebrides Overture to the lyrical Violin Concerto in E Minor and vibrant Italian Symphony, the evening celebrated the timeless magic of Mendelssohn’s music.

The 14th Lancang-Mekong Countries Culture and Arts Festival opened on Wednesday in Jinghong, Yunnan province. Artists from across the region gathered under the theme “One River, One Family”, showcasing their countries’ distinctive artistic traditions in a vibrant opening gala that celebrated cultural diversity, exchange and friendship among Lancang-Mekong nations.

From Oct 23 to 26, the 16th Wuhan International Acrobatic Arts Festival brought together 20 outstanding acts from 14 countries, showcasing world-class skills and creative innovation. Since its launch in 1992, the festival has welcomed over 400 acts and more than 3,200 artists from 60 countries and regions, making Wuhan a vibrant meeting place for acrobatic arts and cultural exchange. @WuhanPlus

Tradition meets modernity in Kunming! At Yunnan’s 13th Traditional Sports Games of Ethnic Minorities, dancer Yuan Zhiping led a captivating Jingpo sword dance to the rhythm of Munao Zongge, a traditional Jingpo festival featuring communal dancing. Blending powerful movements with cultural heritage, Yuan follows his viral performance at the Dianchao soccer league closing ceremony in July.

The second China Showcase of Classic Stage Productions opened on Tuesday with the Peking Opera The Female Generals of the Yang Family at Nanjing Poly Grand Theatre in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Running through Nov 12, the showcase features 10 classic productions, including The Peach Blossom Fan and Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy, alongside pop-up performances, campus activities and public performances.

Art meets urban life at Shanghai’s Grand Gateway 66! The mall wrapped up its anniversary celebration on Sunday with Bandaloop’s breathtaking vertical dance, River in the Sky, performed 40 meters above the ground, and the China debut of Sara Shakeel’s dreamlike crystal installation, Crystal Dune. Alongside exclusive offers from 280+ stores, the celebration brought art, imagination and everyday beauty into the heart of the city.

Moby Dick, presented by Düsseldorf Theatre, made its Asian premiere at Shanghai West Bund Theatre on Oct 23. Wilson’s visionary adaptation transforms Melville’s classic through striking visuals, choreographed movement and live music, with songs by Anna Calvi. As his fifth work presented in Shanghai, it honors the legacy of a groundbreaking theater artist.

Through a dream and a poem, we glimpse the lifelong devotion to poetry, wisdom, and the beauty of life of scholar Ye Jiaying (Florence Chia-ying Yeh, 1924-2024). Her poem, A Dream, depicts a cactus blooming without being watered — a symbol of resilience and the quiet strength to flourish amid adversity. Life may be like a dream, but pursuing what we value and sharing the beauty of Chinese poetry give it lasting meaning.

Running through Nov 15, the 25th China Shanghai International Arts Festival brings nearly 400 performances and exhibitions, alongside 1,100 citywide events. With a new opera house, an expanded international arts network spanning 53 countries and regions, and a three-year theater revitalization plan, Shanghai is strengthening global cultural exchange, nurturing new talent and championing original productions.

Renowned choreographer Lucinda Childs’ Dance (1979), performed by the Lyon Opera Ballet, made its China debut at Shanghai’s Shangyin Opera House, opening Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels on Oct 14-16. Created with composer Philip Glass and visual artist Sol LeWitt, this minimalist masterpiece blends geometric movement, hypnotic rhythms and striking visual projections. The Lyon dancers bring remarkable precision, muscular energy and lightness to its timeless choreography.

The original Broadway musical Chicago will bring its dazzling jazz, sharp satire and seductive intrigue to Beijing this November. Set in the scandal-driven 1920s, this iconic show exposes how fame, media manipulation and ambition can blur the lines between crime and celebrity. Don’t miss this timeless musical sensation at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on Nov 12-15! [Photo/Official WeChat account of Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center]