Guangzhou's Liwan District is gearing up for an immersive cultural experience with the launch of the Cantonese opera carnival. The festivities will commence on June 8 at the Guangzhou International Pharmaceutical Exhibition and Trade Center, marking the beginning of a vibrant cultural journey.

The grand opening will feature a kick-off ceremony and a display of Cantonese opera. Following this, the carnival will bring over 100 Cantonese opera performances to various communities across Liwan, offering residents an artistic feast right at their doorsteps.

Preview of the June 8 Cantonese opera carnival:

Cantonese opera experience classes: On site, opera teachers will demonstrate stage movements and guide participants through the five essential techniques of Cantonese opera - hands, eyes, body, hair, and feet/walking techniques. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a Cantonese opera performer.

Opera makeup and costume experience: Participants can adorn themselves with exquisite opera makeup and don luxurious costumes, immersing themselves in the charm of opera characters and engaging in a dialogue between the past and present. Free participation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cantonese opera-themed handicrafts: Attendees can engage in the hands-on creation of Cantonese opera-themed crafts, including Canton porcelain, Canton embroidery, ivory carving, and dough modeling. Guided by heritage artisans, participants can create their unique opera cultural products. Free participation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wooden Dummy on the Red Boat martial arts experience: The Wooden Dummy on the Red Boat is integral to Cantonese opera's martial arts which encompasses 108 movements that can be varied to represent different animal forms such as dragons, snakes, tigers, leopards, and cranes. Participants will learn these techniques from experienced martial artists on site.

Cantonese opera live performance in the garden: At 7:30 PM on June 8, the Cantonese Opera Art Museum will host a unique garden performance by the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre. The show will feature traditional Cantonese opera stories and characters set against the picturesque backdrop of the museum's garden, offering a one-of-a-kind visual and auditory experience.

Cantonese opera book corner: The event will also feature a collection of books on Cantonese opera, providing visitors with a deep dive into the history and evolution of this rich cultural heritage.

Free shuttle service: To facilitate public participation, the Cantonese Opera Art Museum has partnered with Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Co., Ltd. to offer a free shuttle service. This service will transport attendees between the Cantonese Opera Art Museum and the event venue at scheduled times.