Nestled in the bustling West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong's Xiqu Center stands as a modern tribute to the ancient art of Chinese opera, blending heritage with cutting-edge design. The venue, dedicated to xiqu—a centuries-old performance art combining music, dance, and drama—has become a cornerstone of Asia's cultural preservation efforts.
Architecturally inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns, the center's curved façade and latticework pay homage to classical aesthetics while offering state-of-the-art acoustics. Its 1,073-seat Grand Theatre and smaller Tea House Theatre host performances ranging from Cantonese opera to lesser-known regional styles, attracting both local enthusiasts and international visitors.
For business professionals and investors, the center reflects Hong Kong's unique position as a bridge between cultural legacy and global commerce. Recent collaborations with tech firms have introduced augmented reality experiences, creating new opportunities in creative industries.
Academics highlight the center's role in digitizing rare opera scripts and training young performers, ensuring knowledge transfer to future generations. Meanwhile, diaspora communities praise its streaming services for connecting overseas audiences with live performances.
Travelers will find curated backstage tours and workshops on makeup techniques, while the venue's rooftop garden offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbour—a symbolic fusion of tradition and modernity emblematic of Hong Kong itself.
Reference(s):
The Xiqu Center: A palace of traditional Chinese opera in Hong Kong
cgtn.com