On October 11th, the city of Baicheng in Jiangsu, China, came alive with the melodies of Kunqu, a traditional form of Chinese opera, during the 2024 Kunshan Baicheng Chongyang Music Festival. This event coincided with the Chinese traditional festival, Chongyang, and served as a vibrant celebration of Kunqu’s rich heritage.

Kunqu, known as the “mother of all Chinese operas,” traces its origins over 600 years ago to the “Kunshan” dialect around the Puppet Lake in Baicheng. Over the centuries, it has evolved through various styles, culminating in its recognition by UNESCO in May 2001 as part of the first list of “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”

The history of Kunqu reached its zenith during the Ming and Qing dynasties, when it enjoyed immense popularity. Historical texts describe scenes of Suzhou residents gathering during the autumn to enjoy Kunqu performances, with crowds overflowing with laughter and music that filled the mountains and forests all night long. However, as time passed, this tradition began to fade. In 2015, Baicheng revitalized the Chongyang Music Festival, marking its tenth consecutive year.

Observing the gathering of Kunqu enthusiasts from all over, Tian Qing, honorary president of the China Kunqu Guqin Research Society, expressed his delight. “More and more young people are developing a passion for Kunqu and are actively learning it,” he noted. “Every year, Baicheng’s ‘Little Kunqu Troupes’ perform in Beijing, demonstrating that the legacy of Kunqu continues with the younger generation.”

Zheng Peikai, president of the Hong Kong Folk Literature and Art Association, has been studying Kunqu since 1972. He has noticed a steady increase in young Kunqu enthusiasts in recent years. Many universities now feature Kunqu clubs, with students forming these groups voluntarily to embrace and celebrate this ancient art form.

In recent years, Baicheng has been enhancing its “Kunqu Town,” establishing numerous studios linked to prominent figures in the Kunqu world along the old streets. The first “Little Plum Blossom” Art Theater has been set up at Shipai Primary School, and a comprehensive opera museum showcasing a collection of over 348 theatrical genres has been unveiled in the historic cultural district of Zhengyi.

For 23 consecutive years, Baicheng has nurtured “Little Kunqu Troupes,” continuously cultivating a new generation of Kunqu performers. Over 10 “Little Plum Blossom” talents and nearly 10,000 Kunqu students have benefited from this initiative, ensuring that Kunqu remains accessible and engaging for all.

As one strolls through the old streets of Baicheng, the sounds of Kunqu resonate everywhere, with an array of cultural creations on display. Enthusiasts visiting from afar can easily find a quiet corner or a pavilion to gather and share a song together. The spirit of Kunqu during the Chongyang Festival still radiates youthful energy and vivacity.