On the evening of September 28, the themed event “Hundred Operas Enter Anhui · Starlight in Hefei” grandly opened at the main theater of Anhui Opera City. The debut performance played to a packed house, with nine recipients of China’s prestigious Plum Blossom Award sharing the stage. Through classic excerpts, they showcased the unique charm of traditional Chinese opera, presenting audiences with a spectacular feast that bridged ancient and modern, north and south.

Representatives from all walks of society—including role models of morality and labor, teachers, scientists, bearers of intangible cultural heritage, members of emerging professions, exhibitors from the New Energy Vehicle Expo, foreign friends living in Hefei, opera enthusiasts, students, and grassroots communities—were invited to experience the splendor of traditional culture together.

During the performance, six renowned opera artists—Yu Lan, Yang Fengyi, Feng Yuping, Wang Quanzhen, Cai Zhefei, and Han Zaifen—solemnly read the Artists’ Declaration and were appointed as “Ambassadors for the Promotion of Chinese Opera Heritage.” They pledged to remain rooted in the people, serve the community, and bring opera art into everyday life.

That evening, nine Plum Blossom Award winners—Shan Wen, Liu Wenhui, Wu Meilian, Bao Chenre, Yu Weigang, Xiao Xiaobo, Lan Tian, Wu Suying, and Wang Yushu—took the stage one after another. The elegant grace of Kunqu, the bold vigor of Henan Opera, the lyrical charm of Huangmei Opera, the rustic vitality of Chu Opera, the majestic grandeur of Peking Opera, and the profound strength of Hui Opera intertwined on stage, showcasing the vast diversity of Chinese opera. Immersed in the performance, the audience responded with waves of applause and cheers. “Tonight’s performance was absolutely exhilarating. From the star performers to the classic excerpts, every moment was wonderful. To enjoy such a ‘cultural feast’ right here at home without traveling far makes me so happy. I hope more events like this will be held in the future!” said Mr. Fang, a Hefei resident, with heartfelt joy.

It is reported that the “Hundred Operas Enter Anhui · Starlight in Hefei” event will run through the Spring Festival of 2026, inviting outstanding opera artists from across the country to gather in Hefei. The first batch of performances will feature genres including Peking Opera, Kunqu, Huangmei Opera, Henan Opera, Jin Opera, Hui Opera, Yang Opera, Wuju, Jiju, and Hebei Bangzi. In total, 13 troupes, 17 classic productions, and 26 performances are planned. The program will also create two “Hundreds”: over one hundred performances of classic operas from across China in Hefei, and over one hundred performances of Anhui local opera in Hefei. At the same time, activities such as the “Splendid Anhui · Meet in Hefei” opera fan exchanges, opera culture popularization, and academic seminars will be held, further promoting the inheritance and development of opera culture.