Travel bucket list idea:
Chinese Opera
Hong Kong, China
Credit Shutterstock.com/pieter
Last updated: 05 April, 2024
Chinese Opera, an art form known as Xiqu, has been an integral part of traditional Chinese culture for two centuries. A uniquely Chinese combines elaborate costume, singing and dancing, it was apparently started in 1790 when the ‘Four Great Anhui Troupes’ went to perform for the Imperial Court in Beijing.
The landmark Xiqu Theatre in West Kowloon, dedicated to the art form, has made Chinese opera a lot more accessible to visitors. Performances, in Chinese, traditionally last for four hours; however, if that’s too daunting, the centre offers a shorter 90-minute version – with dim sum – in the Tea House. It’s specially designed to introduce new audiences to Cantonese opera.
Logistics
Price from: £25
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
Frequency: weekly
When: Select dates
Duration: 1 or 4 hours
When to do it
The full-scale productions are held on specific dates. The shortened Tea House versions are held on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons (around 3pm).
See the website for what’s on when and to buy tickets.
