Chongqing - The 14th China Art Festival wrapped up in Chongqing on November 4, with the official announcement of the results for the 18th Wenhua Awards — China's most prestigious national honor for professional stage arts. Out of 53 award-winning productions in China, three from Chongqing garnered attention: the ethnic opera Dust Settles, and the dance dramas Du Fu and Tianxia Dazu.
The 14th China Art Festival wrapped up in Chongqing on November 4. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Commission)
The Wenhua Awards, widely regarded as the pinnacle of artistic excellence in China's performing arts sector, selected 100 finalists from 428 entries this year. These performances were showcased across Sichuan and Chongqing during the festival, emphasizing China's thriving contemporary artistic scene.
The winning productions from Chongqing stood out for their distinct local flavor, artistic depth, and emotional universality, which align with the country's growing focus on cultural storytelling with global appeal.
One notable winner, Tianxia Dazu, also known as For an Eternal Homeland — The Stone Carvers’ Legacy, received the Wenhua Stage Design Award. Inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, this two-hour dance drama condenses 400 years of history into a vivid fusion of dance, sculpture, and storytelling.
It reflects the values embodied in the carvings, such as compassion, filial piety, and integrity. Through striking choreography and visual storytelling, the production transforms ancient art into a modern narrative of resilience and human spirit, resonating deeply with both Chinese and international audiences.
Renowned Chinese actor Jin Dong took home a Wenhua Award for his performance in the drama The Taste of Warmth. (Photo/Chen Zhan)
Renowned Chinese actor Jin Dong also took home a Wenhua Award for his performance in the drama The Taste of Warmth. In an interview, Jin shared his creative process, emphasizing that an actor must deeply immerse themselves in life to bring authenticity to their roles.
He also spoke fondly of Chongqing, noting that the city's vibrant spicy culture provides fertile ground for theatrical creation. Jin expressed his desire to stage a play in Chongqing, hoping to bring more theatrical productions to the city.
The festival, which ran from October 16 to November 4, featured over a hundred stage performances, along with national exhibitions in fine arts, calligraphy, and photography. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, the event reaffirmed its position as China's leading cultural showcase.