Xiju Opera show, The Pearl Pagoda, is performed at the festival. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The Jiangsu Provincial New Works and Emerging Artists Performing Arts Festival closed its curtains on Aug 31 in Wuxi, where the local Xiju Opera Theater gave a reworked production of The Pearl Pagoda to a full house.

The month‑long event featured 14 performances in theaters, community spaces and outdoor venues, drawing both residents and tourists with a strong focus on young creators and contemporary storytelling.

Yueju Opera show, Tiger and Dragon, is performed for the festival. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Young talent was at the forefront from the opening night. The Yueju Opera, Tiger and Dragon, reimagined a tale from the Three Kingdoms period (220–280) with a cast and creative team mostly in their twenties and thirties, and it struck a chord with students and young professionals. Another standout, a Xiju Opera short piece about autism, addressed social issues through a minimalist yet empathetic narrative, earning praise for its fresh look at real‑world concerns.

The closing show, The Pearl Pagoda, showed the festival's commitment to refreshing tradition. Younger designers handled the music, sets and lighting, while the lead performer, a third‑generation heir to a well‑known vocal style, managed to satisfy long‑time fans and win over newcomers alike. Audiences snapped up tickets, and devotees traveled from neighboring cities to catch it.

Performers stage a show at Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi during the festival. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

As part of a broader arts‑and‑tourism campaign, the festival gave out‑of‑town ticket holders discounts on local attractions when they showed their stubs. One visitor from Sheyang, for instance, brought his parents to a stage adaptation of a popular TV drama and then extended his stay to explore Wuxi's parks and cuisine, a trend organizers hope to see continue.

Beyond the main auditoriums, smaller venues and open‑air stages also hosted dedicated performances, reinforcing Wuxi's reputation as a UNESCO City of Music. By blending heritage, youthful innovation, and tourism, the festival highlighted how the city is building a vibrant and inclusive cultural identity that appeals to audiences across generations.