Kunqu Opera performers wowed audiences on Tuesday at Guyi Garden, a jiangnan classical-style garden (lower Yangtze River regions) with a history of 500 years in Jiading District, as they strived to promote Chinese traditional culture and tourism.

The Peony Pavilion, one of the most enduring classics of Chinese operatic repertoire by Ming Dynasty playwright Tang Xianzu (1550-1616), was staged amid the scent of sweet-scented osmanthus and the enchanting autumn scenery of the classical garden, allowing people to experience the charm of traditional Chinese opera and Kunqu art.

People can read four e-books on Kunqu’s history and art forms by scanning a QR code on site.

More traditional Chinese opera performances will take place in the future, according to the garden operator.

The garden will be transformed into the city’s first park dedicated to intangible cultural heritage.

Jiang Xiaowei / SHINE

It will become a place where Shanghai residents can experience traditional Chinese culture and the beauty of Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage.

During the National Day holidays, the garden will host various activities.

The heirs of intangible cultural heritage demonstrate the ancient craft of making tube (homecloth) and bags, Nanxiang Xiaolong (steamed buns known for their delicious pork filling) and brick carving. During the holidays, there is also a guofeng bazaar (traditional Chinese fashion).

In the future, the garden will host a variety of cultural activities such as jiangnan cultural forums, experience courses on intangible cultural heritage and guofeng markets to bring intangible cultural heritage into people’s daily lives and refine Shanghai’s traditional cultural brands.

Jiang Xiaowei / SHINE

Jiang Xiaowei / SHINE

Jiang Xiaowei / SHINE

Jiang Xiaowei / SHINE