Chongqing - Whether you are a devoted fan of traditional culture, an art lover seeking a visual spectacle, or a resident looking to soak up a festive cultural atmosphere during the Spring Festival, this artistic feast, bringing together opera, dance drama, and Sichuan Opera, is not to be missed.
From January to February 2026, Chongqing will host the Showcase Performances of Chongqing Productions from the 14th China Arts Festival, presenting five outstanding stage works in rotation. The event will carry forward the festival's spirit of being "a grand celebration of art and a festival for the people", accompanying citizens through a Spring Festival season filled with artistic flair.
The opera Dust Settles won the 18th Wenhua Award for Outstanding Repertoire, the dance drama Du Fu received the 18th Wenhua Award for Best Director, and the dance drama For an Eternal Homeland—The Stone Carvers' Legacy earned the 18th Wenhua Award for Stage Design. In addition, the ballet Red Shoes and the Sichuan Opera Legend of the White Snake were invited to perform at the festival.
The showcase will open on January 6–7 at the Chongqing Grand Theatre with the ballet Red Shoes. Set during the "Chongqing Bombings" period of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the ballet recounts the true stories of patriotic artists who returned from overseas to Chongqing, joined the national salvation movement, awakened national consciousness, and cared for war orphans. Through ballet, the production conveys profound patriotism and emotional depth, allowing audiences to revisit a time of unity and resilience.
The showcase will open on January 6–7 at the Chongqing Grand Theatre with the ballet Red Shoes. (Photo: The event organizer)
On January 21–22, the award-winning opera Dust Settles will be staged for two performances at the Shiguangnan Grand Theatre. The work tells, from a unique perspective, the inevitable collapse of a decaying social system, depicting how the Communist Party led the Tibetan people toward liberation and a new society. Blending grand historical narratives with delicate personal emotions, the opera's powerful music and compelling performances offer audiences a moving portrayal of social transformation.
On January 21–22, the award-winning opera Dust Settles will be staged for two performances at the Shiguangnan Grand Theatre. (Photo: The event organizer)
Inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dazu Rock Carvings, the dance drama "For an Eternal Homeland—The Stone Carvers' Legacy" highlights the national, secular, and everyday qualities of grotto art. The production unfolds across ten chapters: Origins, Lotus Gathering, Everyday Life, Inheritance, Impermanence, and Dream Return. Using dance as its language, it brings to life the craftsmanship and humanity behind the millennia-old stone carvings. Performances will take place on February 7–8 at the Chongqing Grand Theatre.
The dance drama For an Eternal Homeland—The Stone Carvers' Legacy will take place on February 7–8 at the Chongqing Grand Theatre. (Photo: The event organizer)
From February 17–18, the Sichuan Opera Legend of the White Snake will be staged at the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Art Center. As a timeless Chinese love story familiar to generations, the Legend of the White Snake has been adapted by many traditional opera genres. The Sichuan Opera version stands out for its distinctive casting of the Green Snake by both male and female performers and its spectacular display of signature techniques such as face-changing, fire-spitting, acrobatics, and martial skills, delivering thrilling scenes on a grand scale.
From February 17–18, the Sichuan Opera Legend of the White Snake will be staged at the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Art Center. (Photo: The event organizer)
The dance drama Du Fu traces the life journey of China's "Poet Sage" through an imaginative narrative, portraying his travels, political aspirations, withdrawal from office, and reflections on life. Using expressive choreography and poetic stage aesthetics, the dancers embody Du Fu's compassion, integrity and lifelong pursuit of ideals. Performances are scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at the Shiguangnan Grand Theatre, offering audiences a moving fusion of poetry and dance.
The dance drama Du Fu is scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at the Shiguangnan Grand Theatre. (Photo: The event organizer)
Running from January to February, the showcase offers citizens a diverse array of cultural and leisure options. All performances are open to the public with tickets available for purchase, inviting audiences to choose their preferred productions and experience firsthand the enduring appeal of Chongqing's finest stage arts.