Cantonese Opera and the Xiqu Centre

Hong Kong’s Xiqu Centre attracted much fanfare when it opened in March 2019. Designed by Revery Architecture and Ronald Lu & Partners, the striking, architectural building – inspired by the elegant shape of traditional Chinese lanterns – is the first major arts venue to open in West Kowloon Cultural District, and a new dynamic home for Cantonese opera and Chinese arts.

Originating in the late Qing Dynasty (late 18th century) from China’s southern Guangdong province, Cantonese opera is a theatrical staging of folkloric stories and legends by elaborately dressed performers singing in high-falsetto to simple musical accompaniment. A typical show will feature a combination of acting, singing and acrobatics and unlike western opera, with its Latin arias and somewhat elitist reputation, Cantonese opera is an accessible, and significant part of everyday local life. Traditionally performances are held at festivals, celebrations and even funerals, and alongside Xiqu, there are several Cantonese opera theatres dotted around Hong Kong.

Step inside Xiqu Centre and beyond the lofty, light-filled eight-storey atrium there is the Grand Theatre, which seats up to 1,073 people; this is the main venue host to three-hour performances. If that sounds too daunting, opt for the more intimate 200-seat Tea House Theatre, which hosts condensed shows by its Rising Stars Troupe. Each 90-minute performance is accompanied by narration and translation (if required) along with lashings of tea and dim sum. Should you wish to pull back the curtain on Cantonese opera further, book one of the 60-minute guided tours, available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Encore!

Xiqu Centre / 88 Austin Road West / Tsim Sha Tsui / +852 2200 0217 / westkowloon.hk