Echoes of Chinese Heritage

Experience Kunqu Opera, Suzhou Pingtan, and traditional crafts in an immersive afternoon of classical Chinese arts at the Garden.
About this Event

“Echoes of Chinese Heritage” is a signature cultural program presented as part of the North America Cultural Carnival series, hosted at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

This immersive event brings together three pillars of traditional Chinese culture:

Kunqu Opera – Excerpts from The Peony Pavilion, including “Strolling in the Garden” and “Interrupted Dream,” showcasing one of the oldest and most refined forms of Chinese opera.

Suzhou Pingtan – A lyrical storytelling tradition from Jiangnan, featuring narrative singing, duet performances, and classic folk melodies.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshops – Interactive stations featuring Qinhuai lantern making, Shen Embroidery, a traditional style of Suzhou embroidery, clay figurine making, and wheat straw painting, offering guests a hands-on introduction to traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Guests will also enjoy traditional guqin music and a live tea ceremony, creating a fully immersive sensory experience.

Set within the serene classical landscape of the garden, this program invites audiences to experience the beauty of Chinese cultural heritage through sound, craftsmanship, and performance.

Guests are warmly encouraged to wear traditional or themed attire during this event, adding to the spirit of celebration in the Garden.

To preserve the tranquility of the Garden and ensure a safe, respectful experience for all visitors, please note that the following policies remain in effect:

• Photography is permitted using handheld equipment only.
• Staged photo shoots, whether conducted with a professional photographer or an acquaintance, are not permitted during the Garden's public operating hours. This includes, but is not limited to, engagement photography, wedding photography, prom and graduation photography, and posed portraits involving special attire.
• Tripods, selfie sticks, drones, lighting equipment, and stabilizers are not permitted on the premises.

The Garden reserves the right to refuse admission or request that a visitor depart the premises in the event of non-compliance with these policies.