A Peking Opera performance named Fairy Gives Flowers to the Earth. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

The 2025 Taizhou Mei Lanfang Art Festival concluded recently after a month of performances, exhibitions, and public cultural events, integrating traditional Chinese opera into daily urban life.

The festival featured nine major events across theaters, public squares, and cultural sites, highlighting both the lasting heritage and contemporary vitality of Chinese opera.

This year's highlight was the National University Peking Opera Showcase, featuring students from over 50 universities, including Fudan, Tongji, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. More than 130 performances by young enthusiasts transformed Taizhou into a hub for the next generation of opera talent, igniting fresh conversations on how to preserve and modernize the art form.

The Taizhou Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Troupe, founded just two years ago, also took the spotlight. After the success of Mei Lanfang: A Tale of Osmanthus last year, they revived the classic Mu Guiying Takes Command for this year's festival. Both performances were well received by local audiences, highlighting Taizhou's strong foundation in opera training background and the increasing artistic skill of its young performers.

A Peking Opera performance named Mu Guiying Takes Command. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Now in its 17th edition, the festival has grown into a key driver of cultural tourism. This year's "Opera Experience Tour" linked major landmarks, including the Meiyuan Garden, Fengcheng River, and Qintong Ancient Town, offering immersive activities that allowed visitors to enjoy performances, explore historical sites, and participate in cultural workshops.

The city incorporated opera elements into major public events. During the festival, the 2025 Taizhou Marathon was held, featuring medals and visual designs inspired by traditional Peking Opera motifs — blending the elegance of the stage with a lively sporting event.

The Sixth International Mei School Opera Showcase, held until Oct 19, featured nearly 60 performers from the United States, Spain, and various regions of China. Their joint performances reflected the worldwide appeal of the Mei school style, celebrated for its elegance and expressive artistry.

People watch Peking Opera performances during the 2025 Taizhou Mei Lanfang Art Festival. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

A special exhibition highlighted Mei Lanfang's pivotal role as a cultural ambassador, connecting China to the world. It showcased over 50 rare photographs, documents, and costume fragments, including theater programs from his international tours and letters with global artists — illustrating the story of an artist who contributed to the international appreciation of Chinese performing arts.