During the Shanghai Cultural Heritage Season, the Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas will present an opera arts exhibition and an intangible cultural heritage opera fair starting June 14. These events aim to create a dialogue between traditional opera and modern life through archival revitalization and digital innovation.

Opera arts exhibition

From June 14 to July 13, this exhibition will, for the first time, systematically showcase nearly 100 treasured archives and artifacts at the Shanghai Jingju Culture Center.

It features traditional instruments like the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) used in Peking Opera and Shenju Opera, costumes such as dragon-themed robes, helmets, and phoenix-themed crowns, as well as script manuscripts, stage design drawings, and models, offering a vivid reconstruction of the craftsmanship behind opera production.

On June 14 and 15, six intangible cultural heritage narrators from various Shanghai opera troupes will offer presentations on topics ranging from the dissemination of Peking Opera and the interpretation of Kunqu Opera notation to the historical context of Huju Opera and the craftsmanship of Yueju Opera costumes.

Visitors can also enjoy live performances of classic excerpts from six opera genres and explore creative shops and stamping areas. A digital interactive game has been developed for the event, allowing visitors to scan QR codes at various locations for a chance to win limited-edition cultural products.

👉 Exhibition dates: June 14 – July 13, 10 am – 5 pm (Last entry at 4:30 pm, closed on Mondays)

👉 Venue: Building 3, Shanghai Jingju Culture Center (No 168 Yueyang Road, Xuhui district)

👉 Admission: Free entry, no reservation required

👉 Transportation:

• Take Metro Line 7 or 9 to Zhaojiabang Road Station, Exit 2, or Line 1 to Hengshan Road Station, Exit 1.
• Bus routes: No 96, 42, 49, 927, 167, 15, 218, and more.

Intangible cultural heritage opera fair

On June 14 and 15, Wanping Theatre will transform into an opera paradise, offering an immersive experience through outdoor carnivals, indoor activities, and online interactions.

The outdoor plaza will host a cultural market featuring over 10 types of intangible cultural heritage products and creative merchandise, alongside a food section offering a variety of delicacies.

The "Opera dressing table" area will daily showcase the entire process of opera makeup and costume preparation, revealing the creation of famous roles from notable opera pieces through actor demonstrations.

Inside the theatre, the five-story space will host performances, opera salons, workshops, and an interactive playground where visitors can try on opera costumes and makeup.

👉 Event dates: June 14-15, 10:30 am – 5 pm

👉 Venue: Wanping Theatre (No 859 South Zhongshan Road Number Two, Xuhui district)

👉 Admission: Free participation

👉 Transportation:

• Take Metro Line 7 or 12 to Middle Longhua Road Station, Exit 11; Line 11 to Shanghai Swimming Center Station, Exit 2; or Line 4 (Outer Ring) to Dongan Road Station, Exit 3.
• Bus routes: No 41, 44, 933, 734, or 864.

Source: Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas