Xiju Opera show. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

Xiju Opera marked its first official Xiju Opera Day on June 7 with a themed art event in Xishan district, Wuxi, the birthplace of this cherished art form.

Once known as "Tanhuang", Xiju Opera traces its roots to the Wuxi and Changzhou areas, dating back to the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

In 2025, Wuxi and Changzhou jointly enacted ordinances for the protection and inheritance of Xiju Opera, providing robust legal support for its preservation, continuation, and development. Last year, the day Xiju Opera was added to the national intangible cultural heritage list was designated as the annual Xiju Opera Day.

Xiju Opera player performs in a Jiangnan garden in Wuxi. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

The event featured performances by Plum Blossom Award winners, the highest theatrical honor in China, including Huang Jinghui and Chen Yunxia. Following them, young and middle-aged actors from across Wuxi delivered vibrant and lively showcases, highlighting the dynamic spirit of the new generation of Xiju Opera.

Three Xiju Opera-themed competitions were also announced during the event: a co-creation competition, a cultural and creative design competition, and the AIGC youth video creation competition. These initiatives invite outstanding works from the public, aiming to infuse creativity and technology into the innovation of Xiju Opera.

The inaugural Xiju Opera Day-themed art event will run until June 20, transforming the city into a vibrant theater. From city landmarks to township halls, professional theaters to school classrooms, classic performances by masters to emerging young talents, Wuxi offers a rich tapestry of Xiju Opera performances to enjoy anytime and anywhere.