Huangmei Opera, one of the five famous Chinese operas, originated in Anqing city, Anhui province. Anqing city integrates the culture of Huangmei Opera into its tourism, offering visitors authentic opera, Huangmei-themed accommodations, meals and souvenirs.

Anqing city is home to Huangmei Opera. It is also the birthplace of Peking Opera, Anhui Opera and Wan Culture. Such a long history imbibes the city with a rich opera culture. With its efforts to integrate the culture industry and tourism, it has become the best destination for opera lovers. The China (Anqing) Huangmei Opera Arts Festival has been held every four years since 1992, attracting a large number of tourists and significantly boosting local tourism.

As a “China Outstanding Tourism City,” Anqing boasts great scenery, including the 5A Tianzhu Mountain scenic spot, Huating Lake (known as the top Zen lake in China) and Fu Mountain. The city also played an important role in history. For example the Anqing Ordnance during the Self-Strengthening Movement led China into industrialization.

In recent years, Anqing has shifted its tourism promotion from focusing on natural scenery to highlighting culture, especially Huangmei Opera culture, making it a distinct feature of Anqing’s tourism image. During the 2013 National Day holiday, the city held a Week of Huangmei Opera. According to a tourist from Hubei province, the week “offered a great option for daytime scenery and nighttime opera for travelers and opera lovers all over the country.”

Huangmei culture has been closely integrated with local travel resources. Tourists to Anqing city can not miss the large variety of high-quality opera performances. In addition to opera watching, tourists can also enjoy historical sites and the only Huangmei Opera-themed museum in China. There are also Huangmei Opera-themed accommodations, meals and souvenirs.

According to He Xinhua, director of the Anhui Tourism Bureau, the process of integrating Huangmei Opera and Anqing’s travel resources has had its challenges. For instance, considering that the opera does not appeal to everyone, more interactive introduction and facilities are provided to add to the appeal of the sites.

Achievements have been made, but the development of tourism in Anqing city has not reached its ultimate goal. He Xinhua has disclosed a plan to build a Huangmei Opera Grand Garden, which will make use of technology to create a comprehensive Huangmei Opera experience. Schools to train more Huangmei performers are also part of the plan.

Huangmei Opera is a traditional form of rural folksong and dance originated at least 200 years ago. A distinct feature of this opera is its high pitch. It first appeared as a simple form of song and dance in Huangmei county of Hubei province and later became a part of the operatic genre in the Anqing region of Anhui province.

Huangmei Opera: Tianxianpei (Perfect Match)

Edited by Michael Thai, Huang Pei