Kunshan of Suzhou, in East China's Jiangsu province, is famous for having one of the strongest economy, as it has ranked first among China's top 100 county-level regions for 18 years and being the birthplace of Kunqu Opera, one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera listed as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001.
Tracing the origin of Chinese opera, a group of expats from Bangladesh, India, Iran, Kazakhstan and the Philippines, visited Kunshan's Bacheng town to explore its cultural charm on Nov 1.
Strolling down the ancient street of Bacheng, lined with traditional architecture, the group immersed themselves in the town's rich historical ambience. Inside the local cultural exhibition center, they were spellbound by the grace and elegance of Kunqu Opera and marveled at how this cultural gem seamlessly intertwined with its fascinating history.
Their visit to the Chinese Opera Museum provided an eye-opening experience. The museum showcasing the development of 348 genres of Chinese operas opened to the public on Oct 11 during the Chinese Opera Gala (Kunshan) 2023. Engaging in interactive activities, expats not only learned about the origins and development of opera but also marveled at the stunning costumes and stage scenes.
"The very interesting thing about Chinese opera culture is that it has different types based on the different regions of China", said Mahsa Ghahvechi from Iran, who liked the colorful costumes of different Chinese operas in the museum.
What impressed them most was artists' dedication in creating the youth version of The Peony Pavilion. The acclaimed production seamlessly blends the traditional art of Kunqu Opera with modern aesthetics to recreate the 400-year-old romantic love legacy.
Bhaswati Saikia, an Indian expat with a deep understanding of performing arts due to her background in Indian classical dance and music, praised China's innovative approach to opera modernization. She said: "Culture has to be passed down to the next generation for sure. So it's very interesting to see how this culture has been adapted into modern society and how people are changing it bit by bit, but still keeping the tradition in them alive."
Bacheng's cultural gems were not the only highlights of the day. The group had the pleasure of indulging in the breathtaking landscapes in Beishentan village and reveling in the tranquility and beauty that served as a respite from the bustling city life. Moreover, their visit coincided with the Yangcheng Lake hairy crab season, allowing them to savor the delectable flavors of fresh crabs, enhancing their overall experience.
As the sun set, painting the sky with vibrant hues, the expats left Bacheng town in a state of awe and wonder. Their visit to Kunshan allowed them to appreciate the town's deep-rooted cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate tapestry of traditional Chinese operas.
