On October 29, under the golden autumn skies, 2025 Jiangsu Opera Garden Party for Chongyang Festival opened in grand style across four cities, blending traditional opera with contemporary elder-care initiatives. Jointly organized by Jiangsu Open University, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, and Jiangsu Broadcasting Network, this year’s event spotlighted the province’s rich theatrical legacy while promoting lifelong learning and community engagement for seniors.
A Stage for Silver-haired Artists
Held simultaneously in Nanjing’s Xuanwu Lake Park (main venue) and subsidiary venues in Suzhou, Xuzhou, and Haimen, the festival featured performances of Kunqu, Yueju, Huangmei opera, and Huaihai opera by both professionals and amateur troupes. Highlights included: Kunqu masterpiece "The Tiger-Skin Arrow: Mountain Gate" by Sun Haijiao, a national first-class performer; and excerpts from "Dream of the Red Chamber" and "The Peony Pavilion" by rising stars of Nanjing Yue Opera Troupe and Jiangsu Kunqu Opera Theatre. The event also launched the Opera Study Tour program, enabling seniors to explore Jiangsu’s cultural landmarks firsthand.
Four Cities Unite to Revitalize Traditional Opera.
This year's garden party transcended geographical boundaries through a pioneering Cloud Opera Relay, seamlessly connecting Nanjing's main venue with Suzhou, Xuzhou, and Haimen subsidiary venues. The innovative digital format wove together traditional opera with heartfelt warmth, crafting an elegant Chongyang Festival gathering where time-honored art forms found vibrant new expression in contemporary settings.
In Suzhou, the enchanting "Autumn Melodies of Gusu" program dazzled audiences with Kunqu opera’s lyrical grace, the rhythmic storytelling of Pingtan, and elegant cheongsam fashion displays. The launch of the "Golden Age Handbook" offered seniors insights into vibrant living, complemented by interactive health workshops and fresh volunteer programs promoting active aging.
Xuzhou’s Jiuru City Senior Care Center buzzed with energy as Jiangsu Bangzi opera’s robust melodies filled the air, alongside spirited runway walks and mesmerizing magic acts. The celebrations underscored society’s deep-rooted respect for elders through dynamic cultural showcases.
Meanwhile, in Haimen, six immersive zones—opera appreciation, cultural workshops, theatrical painting, live performances, poetry recitals, and strolls through a symbolic Pear Garden—brought heritage to life. Seniors transitioned from eager learners studying intangible cultural heritage backstage to confident performers onstage, embodying China’s vision of aging with purpose and pride.
Multidimensional Experiences: Embracing a Smart and New Lifestyle
At the Art Stage, silver-haired performers captivated audiences with vibrant song and dance. Medical experts from Nanjing University offered personalized wellness guidance at the Health Hub, where traditional Chinese medicine consultations flourished. The Tech Pavilion bridged generational gaps as seniors navigated AI-powered smart devices with newfound confidence, while the Lifelong Learning zone harmonized timeless traditions like tea ceremonies and calligraphy with cutting-edge digital tutorials. Meanwhile, the Volunteer Corner buzzed with energy as community ambassadors demonstrated the ancient art of Baduanjin, inspiring peers toward holistic well-being. This dynamic fusion of culture, health, and innovation redefined the golden years as a chapter of continuous discovery and connection.
The 2025 Jiangsu Opera Garden Party for Chongyang Festival served as a vibrant showcase of traditional culture while promoting lifelong learning and advancing age-friendly social development. Through multi-agency, cross-regional collaboration, it created meaningful platforms for seniors to engage, learn, and enrich their lives—strengthening cultural pride and social contribution.
Moving forward, organizers will expand this initiative to build more inspiring, warm, and dynamic cultural programs for Jiangsu's elderly community. Together, we're painting a future where senior citizens thrive through continuous learning, joyful engagement, and purposeful living—laying enduring foundations for an age-inclusive society.
