Bringing art to all

Tan notes that in the past, the district suffered from a scarcity of cultural events, with performances entirely government-funded. Now, the theater has adopted a sustainable model that combines commercial sponsorships, sales of relevant cultural and creative products, and advertising rental space.

Local tourism has benefited from the initiative. Figures show a 55 percent increase in visitors to the Hanfeng Lake tourism district, contributing 2.93 billion yuan ($431 million) to the area's revenue.

Kaizhou, a region rich in history and cultural heritage, serves as a resettlement area for residents displaced by the Three Gorges project (starting 1993). With a permanent population of 1.17 million, it is home to Hanfeng Lake, the largest inland lake in the Three Gorges Reservoir area.

The theater's innovative approach to public cultural services was recognized as a model of Chongqing's grassroots reform in 2025.

Just before the June 30 gala, a delegation from Pingdingshan, Henan province, visited Kaizhou to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, further cementing Kaizhou's role as a model for cultural accessibility.

"Over 70 percent of our performers are local residents, not professional artists. This includes truck drivers, delivery workers, students, and community art groups, all coming together to create something truly special," says Zhang Yang, one of the show's directors. He adds they have been innovating and refining the show over the past year, and it is now in its 4.0 version.

For 38-year-old Zhu Feiyu, a local teahouse owner and stage enthusiast who has participated in the theater as a supporting host and singer for nearly a year, it is a labor of love.

"Seeing folks come to watch the show even in the rain, bringing us water and offering watermelons, makes all my efforts worthwhile," he says.