The centennial edition of Turandot, directed by martial arts superstar Jackie Chan in his opera debut, premiered at the Guangzhou Opera House on May 8, marking the opening of the 2026 Guangzhou Arts Season, which will run until July 31.

As the longest-lasting and most comprehensive arts festival in Guangzhou, this 16th edition promises nearly 100 outstanding performances, 10 high-quality exhibitions, and numerous arts outreach activities.

A stage play is held at the Guangzhou Opera House. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

The festival features a stellar lineup, including the Moscow Ballet and St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet with classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Music enthusiasts can enjoy performances by violin virtuoso Lorenz with the Stradivari Ensemble, Baroque maestro Ton Koopman with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, and British phenomenon Anna Lapwood. Highlights also include piano master Ronald Brautigam and organist Olivier Latry.

Chinese productions include the Dawn on the Su Causeway in Spring and Green Snake, conducted by the National Grand Theater of China, along with the stage play Love in a Fallen City by Oscar-winning art director Tim Yip.

This year, the festival has enriched its offerings with 10 high-level exhibitions, including a Dunhuang cave art exhibition, alongside public engagement activities to enhance cultural life and promote art appreciation among the public.