The 24th China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) launched Friday with a historic fusion of tradition and innovation. A collaborative Kunqu Opera production by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe and the Palace Museum headlined the opening ceremony, blending classical Chinese theater with multimedia storytelling.
Spanning six weeks, the festival will present over 1,200 performances and exhibitions across music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Artistic groups from more than 80 countries and regions – including the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and the Taiwan region – will participate in what organizers call "Asia\u2019s largest cultural exchange platform."
This year\u2019s program features contemporary reinterpretations of traditional art forms alongside cutting-edge digital installations. Business analysts note the event\u2019s growing role in China\u2019s cultural economy, while academics highlight its preservation of intangible heritage through modern mediums.
