The Chinese Kunqu Opera Culture Exhibition & Performance opened at Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon on July 8.

The event was co-organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of Suzhou Municipal People's Government andthe Portland Suzhou Sister City Association. It attracted more than 250 participants, including local Chinese, opera lovers, and tourists.

(Photo credit: Suzhou Foreign Affairs Office)

Suzhou's classical gardens and Kunqu have both received the UNESCO heritage status. The exhibition showcased the history of the theatrical form, characters, makeup, costumes, melody, classic pieces and overseas shows. In addition, performers from the Suzhou Kunqu Theater performed the Peony Pavilion at Lan Su Chinese Garden.

This event is part of activities commemorating the 35th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between the two cities. Lan Su Garden, named after the two cities, opened in September 2020.

The exhibition will run until July 30.