The Kunshan suburb of Qiandeng has long held the tradition of passing down stories of the town and ancient China through operatic performances, oral literature and musical compositions.

Kunshan is the birthplace of the aptly-named Kunqu opera, which is known to have influenced many other operatic forms in China. Qiandeng is the home town of Gu Jian, a poet, playwright and the bellwether of Kunqu opera who lived during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Inside the Gu Jian memorial hall and museum in the town is an old stage for opera performances. It is decorated with traditional elements such as inscribed couplets and carved wooden patterns. The stage might be old, but young and old performers frequent it to put on renditions of Kunqu opera, including excerpts from The Peony Pavilion and other classics.

A statue of Gu Jian inside the memorial hall for the bellwether of Kunqu opera in Qiandeng town, Kunshan city. [Photo from WeChat account ksqdly]