Chinese Opera Festival 2026

As a core component of the Chinese Culture Festival, the theme of this year Chinese Opera Festival is "Righteousness and Loyalty in Chinese Opera".  The programme features a selection of classics from different operatic genres that expounds the values of loyalty and righteousness.  Leading troupes representing mainstream genres and three regional bangzi vocal traditions will present heartrending portrayals of classic heroic gures on Chinese opera stage.  Through showcasing the four aspects of expertise required in Chinese opera – singing, line-delivery, acting and martial arts – the virtuosic performers will take the audience on journeys of courage, sacrifice and moral integrity that have long defined the heroic ethos of Chinese culture.

Opening Programme - Showcase of Peking Opera Actors in Full Armour Roles

Introduction

Leading wusheng (military male) heavyweights from four major Peking Opera troupes assemble unprecedentedly in Hong Kong to flex their muscles in three fascinating programmes.  Celebrated as 'the foremost wusheng of our time', Xi Zhonglu joins Wei Xuelei of the Jingju Theater Company of Beijing and Chen Lin of the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company to set the stage with The Battle at Changbanpo and The Incident at Hanjin Crossing, spectacular works that capture the heroic spirit of the Three Kingdoms.  Wang Xilong, from the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company, elaborates his military painted-face role in two iconic works. Wang Daxing from the Tianjin Peking Opera Theatre demonstrates valour of the fully armoured role in The Pulley, while Lu Meng of the Hubei Provincial Peking Opera Theatre presents the dynamic close combat style in Seven for a Righteous Cause.

Programme Details

26-28/6 (Fri-Sun)

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

$560 $460 $360 $260

26/6 7:30pm

Lin Chong on the Run

Main Cast : Zhao Hongyun

The Battle at Changbanpo and The Incident at Hanjin Crossing

Main Cast : Xi Zhonglu, Wei Xuelei, Chen Lin

27/6 7:30pm

The Pulley

Main Cast : Wang Daxing

Wu Song Checking in at the Inn

Main Cast : Lu Jialiang

Rescuing His Sister at the Bright Sun Mansion

Main Cast : Wang Xilong

28/6 2:30pm

Zhong Kui Marrying His Sister Off

Main Cast : Wang Xilong

Seven for a Righteous Cause

Main Cast : Lu Meng

At the Crossroads

Main Cast : Hao Shuai, Hao Jie

On Iron Cage Mountain

Main Cast : Xi Zhonglu

With Chinese and English surtitles.

Please refer to "Chinese Culture Festival Booking Guide" for booking details.

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department.  The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.

Programme of HKICH Month

Luoyang Yu Opera Troupe 

Introduction

Luoyang, a city of elegance, is famous for its iconic peonies, with Yu Opera as its artistic soul.  The legendary Ma Jinfeng, creator of the shuai dan (military-leading female) role type, combines stylised movements of qingyi (virtuous female), daomadan (sword-wielding and riding female), and wusheng (martial male), and is acclaimed as 'the Peony of Luoyang'.  Specialised in the shuai dan role, her disciple Guan Meili will be joined by Plum Blossom Award winners and Class One performers to present signature works of the Ma School: Mu Guiying Takes Command, which exemplifies heroic feminine valour; Demanding Justice from the Emperor, a classic Yu Opera comedy that sparkles with wit and vivacity through the female lead; and The Spear as a Token of Love, a bitter love story spanning four decades.  Selected excerpts from diverse stylistic traditions will complete the programme.

Programme Details

17-18/7 (Fri-Sat)

Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing

$390 $290 $190

17/7  7:30pm

Mu Guiying Takes Command

Main Cast: Guan Meili, Wang Hui (Guest), Jia Wenlong (Guest) 

18/7  7:30pm

Excerpts

Emotional Outpouring at the South Camp from The Spear as a Token of Love, At the Imperial Court from Demanding Justice from the Emperor, Interrogating the Husband, The Ingenious County Magistrate, Setting Off for Battle from Five Generations of Loyal Generals

Main Cast: Guan Meili, Wang Hui (Guest), Jia Wenlong (Guest), Bo Qing (Guest), Chen Dahua, Liu Yalin

With Chinese and English surtitles.

Please refer to "Chinese Culture Festival Booking Guide" for booking details.

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department.  The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.

The 'Chinese Culture for All' performance of Luoyang Yu opera Troupe is sponsored by the Chamber of Young Snow.

Hebei Bangzi Opera Theatre of Hebei Province 

Introduction

One of the most expressive regional opera genres of Hebei Province is its Bangzi Opera, known for its impassioned intensity, soaring vocal lines, and richly varied stylised movements.  The Hebei Bangzi Opera Theatre of Hebei Province returns to Hong Kong with a stellar line-up of Plum Blossom Award winners, four of whom will lead the cast in Zhong Kui the Ghosteater, a signature production and perennial favourite since its premiere in the 1980s.  The Magic Lotus Lantern is a mythological drama that culminates in the climactic close, when the son axes open the mountain to rescue his celestial mother.  Crossing dimensions of mortals,
spirits and celestials, the performance presents highly challenging martial art techniques enhanced by delicate dance movements.  A dedicated programme of excerpts further showcases the vitality and living legacy of Hebei Bangzi Opera.

Programme Details

24-26/7 (Fri-Sun)

Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre

$480 $380 $280 $180

24/7 7:30pm 

Zhong Kui the Ghosteater

Main Cast: Wu Guiyun, Hao Shichao, Sun Na, Qiu Ruide, An Shuancheng

25/7 7:30pm 

The Magic Lotus Lantern

Main Cast: Sun Na, Hao Shichao, Qiu Ruide, An Shuancheng

26/7 2:30pm 

Excerpts

Crying at the City Wall from North and South Make Peace, The Hu Homestead, On the Execution Ground from The Injustice Done to Dou E, The Bloody Battle at Waqiao from Waqiao Pass

Main Cast: Wu Guiyun, Hao Shichao, Sun Na, Zhang Jingyue

With Chinese and English surtitles.

Please refer to "Chinese Culture Festival Booking Guide" for booking details.

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department.  The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.

Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Kun Opera Theatre 

Introduction

A Dream Under the Southern Bough is a dramatic revelation of the illusions of worldly glory created by the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Kun Opera Theatre.  It is a masterfully adapted version of The Dream of Nanke written by Tang Xianzu, executed as a full-scale production in two parts.  The story tells of a scholar Chunyu Fen's sojourn in a dream to the kingdom of ants, where he experiences the rise and fall of power, love won and lost, and the fleeting nature of wealth and prosperity, only to awaken to life's ultimate emptiness.  Plum Blossom Award winner Shi Xiaming will lead 4ᵗʰ and 5ᵗʰ generation performers of the theatre in a reinterpretation that blends classical elegance with contemporary theatrical concepts, featuring lyrical poetry, mellifluous melodies, and ethereal staging through lighting.  The audience will travel through a dreamlike world of poetic beauty and philosophical reflection in this highly imaginative dramatisation.

Programme Details

31/7-1/8 (Fri-Sat)

Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall

$500 $400 $300 $200

31/7 7:30pm

A Dream Under the Southern Bough - Part One

Main Cast: Shi Xiaming, He Xinyue, Zhao Yutao, Xu Sijia, Sun Jing

1/8 7:30pm

A Dream Under the Southern Bough - Part Two

Main Cast: Shi Xiaming, He Xinyue, Zhao Yutao, Xu Sijia, Sun Jing

With Chinese and English surtitles.

Please refer to "Chinese Culture Festival Booking Guide" for booking details.

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department.  The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.

Shangdang Bangzi Opera Theatre of Jincheng City

Introduction

Shangdang Prefecture, located atop the Taihang Mountains, is the birthplace of Shangdang Bangzi Opera, one of the four Bangzi Opera genres of Shanxi Province.  Shaped by this distinctive landscape, it developed a rich repertoire based on the saga of the loyal Yang generals of the Song dynasty, marked by clear moral contrasts, impassioned singing, and bold, resonant music.  On its Hong Kong debut, the troupe will be presenting the classic piece The Banquet at Sanguan, portraying Dowager She's tragic decision to place justice above blood ties.  Selected excerpts recount emotional conflicts between loyalty, filial piety, love for one's spouse, and heroic sacrifice on the battlefield.  They illustrate how bravery and emotional intensity define the distinctive theatrical impact of Shangdang Bangzi Opera.

Programme Details

14-15/8 (Fri-Sat)

Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall

$390 $290 $190

14/8 7:30pm

The Banquet at Sanguan

Main Cast:  Chen Suqin, Qi Suzhen, Zheng Fagen, Dong Xiaoqin, Li Dan

15/8 7:30pm

Excerpts

To Kill His Wife, Assassinating Empress Dowager Xiao and The Great Battle from Yanmen Pass, Forced into Insanity from Incidents at the Temporary Imperial Palace

Main Cast:  Chen Suqin, Zheng Fagen, Wang Zhen, Li Dan, Wu Yanyan

With Chinese and English surtitles.

Please refer to "Chinese Culture Festival Booking Guide" for booking details.

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department.  The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.

A New Cantonese Opera Ancient Tune of Guangling

Introduction

The story takes place during the turmoil of the Wei-Jin era.  Ji Kang is a fiercely moral scholar who expresses his integrity through his qin. In a dream, he receives the transcendent melody Ancient Tune of Guangling, through which he also foresees doom.  He chooses a plebeian life over the offer of high positions. When political intrigue tightens around him, his scrupulous words of advice lead to his imprisonment.  At the execution ground, he calmly plays Ancient Tune of Guangling one final time.  The abrupt breaking of a string on his instrument signifies a life laid down for a moral cause.  This new Cantonese Opera features both renowned Cantonese Opera stars and rising artists.  The production illustrates the lofty ideals and the integrity of the literati through the artistry of Cantonese Opera.

Programme Details

11-12/9 (Fri-Sat) 7:30pm

13/9 (Sun) 2:30pm

Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall

$480 $380 $280 $180

Playwright: Woo Kwok-yin

Artistic Director and Director: Leung Wai-hong

Main Cast: Loong Koon-tin, Tang Mi-ling, Yuen Siu-fai, Liu Kwok-sum, Man Shuet-kau, To Wing-sum, Ng Lap-hei

Lyrics and part of the dialogue with Chinese and English surtitles.

Please refer to "Chinese Culture Festival Booking Guide" for booking details.

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department.  The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.

25/6（Thu）7:30pm

Face-to-Face with Peking Opera Actors in Full Armour Roles 

Speakers: Xi Zhonglu, Wei Xuelei, Wang Daxing

Moderator: Sheng Yihui

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

In Putonghua 

16/7（Thu）7:30pm

On the Development and Dissemination of Yu Opera – A Legacy from Luoyang, Henan

Speakers: Guan Meili, Wang Hui, Jia Wenlong, Bo Qing, Chen Dahua, Liu Yalin

Moderator: Giovanna Wu

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

In Putonghua 

23/7（Thu）7:30pm

Hebei Bangzi Opera: A Fine Mix of the Lyrical and the Vigorous in Its Civil and Martial Repertoires

Speakers: Wu Guiyun, Qiu Ruide, Hao Shichao, Sun Na

Moderator: Hu Guangming

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

In Putonghua

30/7（Thu）7:30pm

A Dream Under the Southern Bough – Creating a Virtual World from Reality

Speakers: Shi Xiaming, He Xinyue, Zhao Yutao, Xu Sijia

Moderator: Giovanna Wu

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

In Putonghua 

13/8（ Thu）7:30pm

The Unique Artistic Features and Vocal Characteristics of Shangdang Bangzi Opera

Speaker: Chen Suqin

Moderator: Sheng Yihui

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

In Putonghua 

3/9（ Thu）7:30pm

Pre-performance Talk on A New Cantonese Opera Ancient Tune of Guangling

Speakers: Loong Koon-tin, Tang Mi-ling, Yuen Siu-fai, Woo Kwok-yin, Leung Wai-hong

Moderator: To Wai Sau-ming Marilyn

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

In Cantonese

13/9（Sun）After performance *

Post-performance Talk on A New Cantonese Opera Ancient Tune of Guangling 

Speakers: Loong Koon-tin, Tang Mi-ling, Yuen Siu-fai, Liu Kwok-sum, Man Shuet-kau, Ng Lap-hei

Moderator: To Wing-sum

Venue: Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall

In Cantonese

* Audience members can participate after the performance without registration

Free admission.  Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Online registration is required except the Post-performance Talk on A New Cantonese Opera Ancient Tune of Guangling. 

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The presenter reserves the right to change the programmes.

Talks on the Culture of Chinese Opera *

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

'Kunqu On and Beyond the Stage' Demonstration Talks *

Speaker: Chan Chun-miu

Demonstration: Concordia Kunqu Society of Hong Kong

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

Backstage Tours *

Demonstration Performance of Peking Opera

Workshops and Talks on Kunqu Opera *

by Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Kun Opera Theatre

In Putonghua.

Free admission. 

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

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The presenter reserves the right to change the programmes.

Chinese Opera Films

Cantonese Opera Films

Tickets will be available at URBTIX from 14 April onwards. (Unless otherwise specified for individual programmes)

Concessionary Tickets # *

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.

Discount Scheme

Exclusive Offer to Museum Pass Holders # ^

• Museum Pass holders can enjoy 10% off for each purchase of 1 or more standard tickets. This discount is available for purchases at URBTIX outlets only. Please present a valid physical or electronic Museum Pass upon purchase.

• Discount for Grand Dance Poem In Between — Wu Guanzhong's Ink Odyssey by Hong Kong Dance Company is only applicable to standard tickets for $B-$F price zones.

# Only applicable to tickets for stage programmes, Chinese Opera Festival 2026: Chinese Opera Film Shows and Legacy and Vision: Conversations with Chinese Cultural Masters. Discount is only available for tickets for Musical Pan Yu Lin by Actors' Family and Children Arts Tech Music Theatre 5 Elements East West by Zuni Icosahedron purchased through URBTIX on a first-come, first-served basis.

^ Discount is not applicable to ticket purchases of the following programmes: International Arts Carnival 2026: Nanyin Theatre Siu Hei's Musical Journey: Poetry in Nanyin by One Table Two Chairs Charitable Foundation, Grand Dance Poem In Between — Wu Guanzhong's Ink Odyssey by Hong Kong Dance Company, The Diary of Song 2026 by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, Realising Art in Social Realism: The Miracle of Union Film, Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time, Gems of Chinese Opera Film and 2026 'Music-Get-Together' Music Office Trainees' Concerts — Chinese Music.

* Concessionary tickets of Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship Cross-disciplinary Series: Grand Dance Poem In Between —Wu Guanzhong's Ink Odyssey by Hong Kong Dance Company and Musical Pan Yu Lin by Actor's Family are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For concessionary ticket discount details of The Diary of Song 2026 by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre and Children Arts Tech Music Theatre 5 Elements East West by Zuni Icosahedron, please visit the presenters' websites or enquire by phone.

Points to Note

• Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discount offers for each ticket purchased.
• Each ticket admits one person only.
• The discount for full-time students is also applicable to children aged 6 and under.
• Tickets swapped on or after 1 May are no longer entitled to the 'Limited-Time Offer', but patrons may still enjoy other discount offers that are available at the time of swapping.
• Tickets purchased under the 'Generations Together 1 + 1' Discount require joint admission. Any upgrade of concessionary tickets must be processed together with all purchased tickets at URBTIX outlets to settle the surcharge.
• The East Kowloon Cultural Centre and Hong Kong Museum of History only provide self-service ticketing kiosks for ticket purchases and collections. Patrons may visit the URBTIX outlets located at other venues for counter service.
• Hong Kong Central Library does not provide URBTIX outlet service and self-service ticketing kiosks. Patrons may visit the URBTIX outlets located at other venues for counter service.
• The box offices of Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Film Archive only provide counter sales service for film programmes screened at or organised by the venue. Ticket collection service is available at the self-service ticketing kiosks in the venue.
• 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.
• Please refer to the Chinese Culture Festival or the presenter's website 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 and the presenter shall be final and conclusive.

Patrons can purchase a maximum of 40 tickets per transaction.  Tickets can be bought in the following ways: 

URBTIX Counter Booking & Self-service Ticketing Kiosk Booking

• Within one hour before the performance, tickets can be bought at the performance venue box office or self-service ticketing kiosks.
• 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)

• Tickets are available until 15 minutes before performance at Telephone Booking and Internet Booking /Mobile App, and until 1 hour before performance at venues without URBTIX outlet/self-service ticketing kiosk.
• 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.
• E-tickets are available for some events. Customers can purchase tickets online or via the mobile app, select the e-ticket option and present the e-ticket QR code for scanning and verification upon admission. No redemption of printed ticket is required.
• Service and mailing / delivery fees are subject to change from time to time in accordance with URBTIX updates.

Enquiries
Programme: 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)

The Art of Peking Opera Actors in Full Armour Roles

10-28/6 (Wed - Sun)

Foyer Exhibition Area, Hong Kong Cultural Centre    

The Virtual Realm of Kingdom of Huai'an – The Staging of A Dream Under the Southern Bough

18-27/6 (Thu - Sat) 

Exhibition Gallery, Sha Tin Town Hall

'The Righteous and the Loyal in Chinese Opera'  Exhibition 

24/6-10/7 (Wed - Fri) 

Exhibition Gallery, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing 

15-31/7 (Wed - Fri) 

Exhibition Corner, Yuen Long Theatre

17/7-4/9 (Fri - Fri) 

Arts Resource Centre, Hong Kong Central Library

Free admission

The content of the programme does not represent the views of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The presenter reserves the right to change the programmes.