Celebrating an old opera form with modern audiences

The 6th China Yueju Opera Art Festival will open in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, to celebrate 120 years of the beloved traditional Chinese opera form.

Beginning May 15, the monthlong festival hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Zhejiang provincial government will feature 12 full-length productions and 13 short plays, blending timeless classics with fresh, innovative works that resonate with modern audiences.

Yueju Opera was founded in the early 1900s in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, and is renowned for its lyrical melodies, elegant aesthetics and focus on romantic tales. In recent years, the art form has seen a revival thanks to young stars, including Chen Lijun, who are helping Yueju Opera gain popularity among younger generations, and drawing a new wave of audiences with performances that combine technical skill, expressive storytelling, and contemporary sensibilities.

Under the theme "120 Years Young, Zhejiang Brims with Yueju Opera," the festival will highlight the art form's enduring legacy and its evolving appeal. Highlights of the festival include the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yueju Opera Theatre's Su Dongpo and My Grand View Garden, as well as the Beijing Xiaobaihua Yueju Opera Theatre's short play Lu You and Tang Wan: Poem on the Wall.

Beyond performances, the festival promotes the integration of culture and tourism. On May 16, Shaoxing will host events showcasing innovative initiatives that combine Yueju Opera with travel, cultural products and lifestyle experiences. These efforts reflect a growing trend of bringing traditional art into everyday life and creating engaging experiences for audiences of all ages.

The opening gala in Shaoxing is expected to have over 9,000 attendees. The monthlong celebration will conclude on June 12 in Shengzhou, Yueju Opera's birthplace, with a grand performance.