Chinese Opera Festival 2025

The Chinese Opera Festival 2025, returning as a core programme of the second Chinese Culture Festival, will celebrate timeless Three Kingdoms tales through a variety of operatic genres. Witness renowned art groups present their signature repertoires on stage featuring legendary figures and immerse yourself in the cultural splendour and dramatic storytelling of traditional Chinese opera through the meticulously curated programme!

Opening Programme - China National Peking Opera Company

Masters of Heritage Charting Tomorrow's Vision

Introduction

Principal artists Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu will lead an ensemble of outstanding Peking Opera performers in presenting three Peking Opera masterpieces.  A new historical Peking Opera Cession for Consolidation of the Song Regime portrays how the King of Wuyue submits his territory to the Song dynasty for the greater welfare of his people.  The impressive cast will also perform the classic tales from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, showcasing the enduring beauty of the vocal style.  The widely beloved classic The Legend of the White Snake masterfully balances singing and acting as well as civil and martial elements, making for a captivating experience for the audience.

Programme Details

20/6 7:30pm

A New Historical Peking Opera – Cession for Consolidation of the Song Regime

Main Cast : Yu Kuizhi, Li Shengsu, Wang Yue, Du Zhe, Hu Bin, Chu Fengyi, Chen Xuzhi, Wang Jue, Ma Xiangfei, et al.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

The story takes place during the early Northern Song dynasty when the Latter Tang and Song regimes are contending for land.  The King of Wuyue, Qian Chu, faces a pivotal decision that will shape the destiny of his realm and people.

Two years in the making, this innovative historical drama presented by the China National Peking Opera Company vividly recreates the late Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.  With a complete ensemble of traditional role types, the opera piece portrays Qian Chu’s deference to historical tides and his allegiance to rightful rule.  This epic masterpiece features Peking Opera maestros Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu as King Qian Chu and his consort, Lady Sun Taizhen, delivering scene after scene of nuanced emotional performances.  The grand finale is marked by a monumental painting of China’s breathtaking landscape, kept intact through the lofty vision of a wise king who valued his people, pursued peace and stability — a vivid demonstration of the communal spirit pertaining to the Chinese national identity.

21/6 7:30pm

A Meeting of Heroes, Invoking the East Wind and The Huarong Pass

Main Cast : Yu Kuizhi, Du Zhe, Hu Bin, Wang Yue, Guo Zhufeng, Wang Jue, Ma Xiangfei, Guo Xiaolei, Wei Jiaqing, et al.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

In the world of Peking Opera, there is a saying that ‘there are no minor roles in the epic episodes of A Meeting of Heroes, Invoking the East Wind and The Huarong Pass.’  Drawn from Romance of the Three Kingdoms — a timeless classic known to all, these episodes bring to life the legendary Battle of Red Cliff.

Featuring a rich cast of historical figures, the stage teems with unforgettable personalities — from the noble elder statesman Lu Su, the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang and the proud young general Zhou Yu to the formidable warlord Cao Cao, the fearless Zhao Yun and the awe-inspiring Guan Yu.  Their thrilling clash of wits unfolds with dramatic intensity, showcasing iconic episodes that promise an unmissable theatrical feast of centuries-old artistry.

22/6 7:30pm

The Legend of the White Snake

Main Cast : Li Shengsu / Zhu Hong (as Bai Suzhen), Guo Zhufeng, Dai Zhongyu, Hu Bin, Wang Jue, Jiang Qize, Zheng Gaolu, Wei Pengyu, Wang Xuesong, et al.

The role of Bai Suzhen will be co-played by Li Shengsu and Zhu Hong.  Zhu Hong will perform in Stealing the Herb, Demanding the Release of Her Husband, and Fighting on the Water.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

The Peking Opera The Legend of the White Snake, written by famous playwright Tian Han and originally directed by renowned Chinese opera director Li Zigui, has been refined on stage for over 60 years.  It has become an essential repertoire for generations of dan (female) role performers.  Li Shengsu, a renowned exponent of the Mei (Lanfang) School, has preserved and passed down the artistry to rising star Zhu Hong.  Together, they will share the lead role as Bai Suzhen (Lady White Snake) in this restaged repertoire, perfectly embodying the character’s unwavering devotion to her forbidden mortal love.

In At the Lake, Bai Suzhen share an idyllic moment with Xu Xian as love blooms during a boat trip.  Fighting on the Water is a stunning spectacle as numerous flags are wavered to simulate the water that floods the Jinshan Temple.  On Broken Bridge brings out Bai’s woes and heartbreak over her husband’s distrust of her love, immersing the audience in a breathtaking dreamscape of scenic West Lake.

Programme of HKICH Month

Henan Provincial Yue Diao Art Protection and Inheritance Center

The Shen School Thrives as its Yuediao Vocals Flow with Grace and Elegance

Introduction

The 'Three Kingdoms' repertory of Yuediao Opera stands out among regional opera forms for its distinctive feature of casting female actors in xusheng (bearded male) roles.  Shen Xiaomei, the first Yuediao performer to receive the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award, carries forward the artistic legacy of Shen Fengmei, whose unique style established the Shen School of performance.  She excels in portraying Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist known for his composure in adversity, capturing his intellectual essence through nuanced singing and expressive interpretation.  The troupe is bringing in two acclaimed productions: the epic historical drama Jiang Wei Surrenders and the bittersweet comedy Li Tianbao Gets Married.

Programme Details
 

27/6  7:30pm

Jiang Wei Surrenders

Main Cast: Shen Xiaomei, Hu Hongbo, Nie Lei, Zhao Yanlin, Li Qiaorong

Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall

28/6 7:30pm

Li Tianbao Gets Married

Main Cast: Shen Xiaomei, Liu Zhiyou, Zhao Yanlin, Zhang Xiping, Sun Qianqian

Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall

Programme of HKICH Month

Xi'an Performing Arts Group's Youth Experimental Troupe of Qinqiang Opera

Raw and Resonant: Chinese Opera's Electrifying Voice

Introduction

Qinqiang, also known as luantan , is one of the most representative opera genres of Xi'an.  Its singing style features wide vocal ranges and resounding tones, while retaining an intricate tonal delicacy.  The genre's direct and intense emotional expression and the resonant, soaring vocals never fail to touch the audience.  This programme features National Class One performers and Plum Blossom Award winners, showcasing the classic piece Returning to Jingzhou based on the plot of Romance of the Three Kingdoms .  The production portrays thrilling power struggles in an awe-inspiring spectacle. Equally compelling is Zhou Ren on the Way Home , coined as one of the 'Eight Great Libretti of Qinqiang'.

Programme Details

4/7 7:30pm 

Returning to Jingzhou

Main Cast: Qi Aiyun, Wang Xincang, Qu Qiaozhe, Zhi Zhaofei, Zhang Tao, Deng Wen, Sun Yadong, Tan Jianxun, Wang Xin

5/7 7:30pm 

Zhou Ren on the Way Home

Main Cast: Wang Xincang / Tan Jianxun (as Zhou Ren), Dou Fengqin, Qi Aiyun, Zhang Tao, Zhang Wuhong, Deng Wen, Sun Yadong

Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe of Shaoxing

A Stellar Cast Fusing Literary Grace and Martial Splendour

Introduction

In Yue Opera, the handsome xiaosheng (young male role) played by female actors can be akin to the well-loved male idols of popular television series.  Among the veterans, Wu Fenghua, two-time winner of the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award, is an exemplary figure commanding both talent and skills.  The Peacock Flies Southeast, dubbed the 'Chinese Romeo and Juliet', offers a touching reinterpretation of love and loss.  The Aloeswood Fan is a delightful take on the classic scholar-and-beauty genre.  The finale, Mu Guiying Takes Command, combines crisp martial arts moves with graceful operatic vocals to showcase the refined artistry of Yue Opera.

Programme Details

18/7 7:30pm

The Peacock Flies Southeast

Main Cast: Wu Fenghua, Chen Fei, Pan Qin, Yu Weiping

Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre

19/7 7:30pm

The Aloeswood Fan

Main Cast: Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying

Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre

20/7 7:30pm

Mu Guiying Takes Command

Main Cast: Wu Fenghua, Chen Fei

Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre

Cantonese Opera Zhou Yu Thrice Humiliated and The Battle at Changbanpo

Traditional Cantonese Opera Classics in Southern and Northern Xiqu Art Skills

Introduction

Under the artistic direction of renowned virtuoso Yuen Siufai, audiences will be brought back to the Three Kingdoms era of fierce rivalry.  Zhou Yu Thrice Humiliated gives an indepth look at the battle of wits and strategy between lord Zhou Yu and general Zhuge Liang.  The Battle at Changbanpo has a cast that covers the full range of role types.  The fierce battles involving Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Lu Bu showcase the solid martial art training of the Southern School and the ingeniously configured group combats characteristic of the Northern School. These powerful battle scenes are definitely a feast for the eyes.  These two productions bring together some of the finest Cantonese Opera talents across three generations to showcase the enduring legacy of Cantonese Opera artistry.

Programme Details

26/7 7:30pm

Zhou Yu Thrice Humiliated

Main Cast: Yuen Siu-fai, Lee Lung, Wan Fai-yin, Wan Yuk-yu, Ho Wai-ling, Tam Wing-lun, Alan

Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall

27/7 7:30pm

The Battle at Changbanpo

Main Cast: Lee Lung, Yuen Siu-fai, Wan Fai-yin, Wan Yuk-yu, Ho Wai-ling, Tam Wing-lun, Alan

Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall

Zhejiang Jingkun Art Center (Kun Opera Troupe)

The Lilting Kunqu Tunes Shape a Legendary Chapter in Chinese Operatic History

Introduction

In 1956, the Zhejiang Kunqu Opera Troupe adapted the traditional play Dream of Two Bears into Fifteen Strings of Cash .  The story centres on a mysterious murder case triggered by fifteen strings of copper coins, unfolding a battle of wits and intricate deductions.  Departing from Kunqu 's traditional focus on young male and female leads, this production highlights the confrontation between a clever rogue and a shrewd magistrate, with chou (comic) and laosheng (old male) as key roles.  Equally unmissable is the classic Kunqu comedy The Lioness Roars , which humorously depicts the marital battle of wits between the scholar Chen Jichang and his formidable wife Madam Liu.  The programme will also feature five classic Kunqu excerpts, perfectly blending literary elegance with dynamic stagecraft.

Programme Details

15/8 7:30pm

Fifteen Strings of Cash

Main Cast: Bao Chen, Tian Yang, Xiang Weidong, Xu Ni, Wang Wenhui, Wang Hengtao, Hu Linan

Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing

16/8  7:30pm

The Lioness Roars

Main Cast: Zeng Jie, Hu Ping, Bao Chen

Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing

17/8  2:30pm

Traditional Opera Excerpts The Celestial Place from The Dream of Nanke, Cancelling the Birthday Celebrations from The Pavilion of Chanting in the Wind, Rendezvous at the Pavilion from Red Pear Blossom, Entrusting His Son from The Beauty Washing Silk by the River, Fighting on the Water from Leifeng Pagoda

Main Cast: Wu Xinyi, Xi Bingqi, Hu Linan, Li Qiongyao, Bao Chen, Wang Jing, Wang Hengtao, Wang Wenhui, Xiang Weidong, Zhang Kankan, Xu Ni, Ni Runzhi, Zhang Tangxiao, Tian Yang, Huang Yi

Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing

19/6（ Thu）7:30pm

The Legacy and Development of Peking Opera

Speakers: Yu Kuizhi, Li Shengsu

Moderator: Hu Guangming

Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

In Putonghua and Cantonese

26/6（ Thu）7:30pm

The Signature Singing Style and Vocal Techniques of the Shen School in Henan Yuediao

Speakers: Shen Xiaomei, Liu Zhiyou, Hu Hongbo, Zhao Yanlin, Nie Lei

Moderator: Chan Chun-miu

Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

In Putonghua and Cantonese

3/7（Thu）7:30pm

The Beauty of Qinqiang Opera

Speakers: Ma Youxian, Qi Aiyun, Wang Xincang, Zhang Tao

Moderator: Chan Chun-miu

Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

In Putonghua and Cantonese

17/7（Thu）7:30pm

Timeless Appeal: The Legacy and Evolution of Yue Opera

Speakers: Wu Fenghua, Wu Suying, Chen Fei, Yu Weiping

Moderator: Chan Chun-miu

Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

In Putonghua and Cantonese

24/7（ Thu）7:30pm

Pre-performance Talk on the Cantonese Opera Zhou Yu Thrice Humiliated and The Battle at Changbanpo

Speakers: Yuen Siu-fai, Lee Lung, Wan Fai-yin

Moderator: Barbara Tang

Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

In Cantonese

14/8（ Thu）7:30pm

Six Generations of Kunqu Performers: The Sustaining Growth of the Zhejiang Kunqu Opera Troupe

Speakers: Gu Jiong, Bao Chen, Zeng Jie, Hu Ping, Tian Yang

Moderator: Chan Chun-miu

Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

In Putonghua and Cantonese

Free admission.  Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Online registration is required.

Talks on the Art of Kunqu Opera*

Talks on the Culture of Chinese Opera*

Talks on the Three Kingdoms Opera*

Backstage Tour - China National Peking Opera Company*

Demonstration Performance of Peking Opera

Free admission.

Talks and Masterclasses of Kunqu Opera*

* Free admission.  Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Online registration is required.  

Chinese Opera Films

Cantonese Opera Films

Tickets will be available at URBTIX from 15 April onwards. (Unless otherwise specified for individual programmes)

Concessionary Tickets

Applicable to tickets for stage programmes, Chinese Opera Festival 2025: Chinese Opera Film Shows and Legacy and Vision: Conversations with Chinese Cultural Masters only

Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients*.  Tickets for CSSA recipients are available on a first come, first served basis.  Concessionary ticket holders must produce evidence of their identity or age upon admission.

* Concessionary tickets of Grand Dance Poem A Dance of Celestial Rhythms by Hong Kong Dance Company are available on a first come, first served basis.

Group Booking Discount and Package Booking Discount ^#

Exclusive Offer to Museum Pass Holders ^#

Museum Pass Holders can enjoy 10% off discount for each purchase of 1 or more standard ticket. Please present valid physical or electronic Museum Pass upon purchase tickets at URBTIX outlets.

^# Group Booking Discount, Package Booking Discount and Exclusive Offer to Museum Pass Holders are not applicable to ticket purchase of International Arts Carnival 2025: Kungfu Drama Soul of Shaolin and Acrobatic Ballet Swan Lake, and Tan Dun│Tea: A Mirror of Soul by Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Grand Dance Poem A Dance of Celestial Rhythms by Hong Kong Dance Company
For more discount details and enquiries: 3103 1888

Silken Notes of the Pipa by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
For more discount details and enquiries: 3185 1600

Tan Dun│Tea: A Mirror of Soul by Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
For more discount details and enquiries: 2721 2332

Points to Note

• Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discount offers for each ticket purchased. Please inform the box office staff at the time of purchase.
• Each ticket admits one person only.
• The discount for full-time students is also applicable to children aged 6 and under.
• Ticket swapped on or after 1 May is no longer entitled to 'Limited-Time offer', but you may still enjoy other discount offers that are available at the time of swapping.
• Events will normally be cancelled when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning is issued or remains in effect 3 hours before the event starts. Ticket holders are advised to visit www.ccf.gov.hk or to call 2268 7321 / 2268 7323 / 2268 7325 within normal office hours for details of programme schedule changes and refund arrangements.
• Members of the audience are strongly advised to arrive punctually. Latecomers and those who leave their seats during the performance will only be admitted and allowed to return to their seats respectively during the intermission or at a suitable break. The presenter reserves the right to refuse admission of latecomers, or determine the time and manner of admission of latecomers.
• The price of each discounted ticket will be rounded up to the nearest Hong Kong dollar.
• The box offices of Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Film Archive only provide counter sales service for film programmes scheduled at the venue. Ticket collection service is available at the Ticket Dispensing Machine in the venue.
• Please refer to each programme detail page for the counter booking dates of individual programmes.
• In the event of any dispute regarding these Terms and Conditions and all other matters relating to the discount scheme, the interpretation and decision of Leisure and Cultural Services Department shall be final and conclusive.

Patrons can purchase a maximum of 40 tickets per transaction.  Tickets can be bought in the following ways, up to one hour before the performance, or at any time before the show starts, at the performance venue box office or self-service ticketing kiosks.

URBTIX Counter Booking & Self-service Ticketing Kiosk Booking

• Payment can be made in cash (Hong Kong currency and applicable to counter booking only), by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, Octopus, Alipay, WeChat Pay and Faster Payment System for all events.
• For self-service ticketing kiosk booking, the maximum payment limit of credit cards per transaction is HK$1,000 in view of the requirement of respective card organisations and payment platform, while the Octopus is HK$3,000. For others such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and Faster Payment System, the maximum amount allowed is determined according to the customer’s own payment settings. Customers may check with the respective organisations for details.

Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Telephone Booking: 3166 1288 (10am - 8pm daily)
Mobile Ticketing App: URBTIX (Android , HarmonyOS and iPhone / iPad versions)

• Internet Booking / Mobile Ticketing App Booking: Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay and Faster Payment System (for Internet Booking only).
• Telephone Booking: Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, American Express and UnionPay without a PIN authentication requirement.
• For internet, mobile ticketing app or telephone booking services, there is a service fee of HK$9 per ticket purchased (no limit is set per transaction and purchases are non-refundable).
• Customers can choose to collect their purchased tickets from self-service ticketing kiosks or at the sales counter at any URBTIX outlets by using the same credit card (except virtual card) used for the booking / claim ID, or by mail / courier to the customer’s designated address. Mail / courier delivery is available from 30 days until 7 days before the performance (depending on the delivery method). An extra service fee will be charged for mail / courier delivery. All service and mailing / delivery fees collected are non-refundable.
• Service and mailing / delivery fees are subject to change from time to time in accordance with URBTIX updates.

Enquiries
Programme: 2268 7321 / 2268 7323 / 2268 7325 (Monday - Friday: 9am - 1pm, 2 - 6pm, closed on Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays)
Ticketing: 3166 1100 (10am–8pm daily)
Website: www.ccf.gov.hk (Programme) / www.urbtix.hk (Ticketing & Internet Booking)

‘Three Kingdoms in Chinese Opera’ Exhibition

The exhibition will illuminate the costumes and stage artistry of key characters from the Three Kingdoms period, showcasing performances across opera genres.  Through this distinctive perspective, we will explore the stage performances centred around the 'Three Kingdoms' at the Chinese Opera Festival 2025, where the heroes shall assemble!

Exhibition Period: 27/5-7/6 (Tue - Sat) 

Venue: Foyer Exhibition Area, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Exhibition Period: 16/7-1/8 (Wed - Fri) 

Venue: Exhibition Corner, Yuen Long Theatre

Free admission