Peking Opera takes to the waves

The China National Peking Opera troupe embarked on a groundbreaking cultural voyage aboard the Adora Magic City cruise ship, carrying the essence of China's cultural treasure — Peking Opera — into the world.

The journey began on Sept 27 with the ship, which carried nearly 5,000 guests and more than 1,200 crew members, leaving Shanghai's harbor. Over the course of five days and four nights, the ship sailed from the bustling metropolis toward the serene waters of Japan and South Korea.

The first evening of the voyage was marked by six iconic Peking Opera pieces, expertly performed by the troupe's finest artists. The performances ranged from the classic San Cha Kou (At the Crossroads), to the historical tragedy of Farewell My Concubine, each piece steeped in centuries of tradition.

The second day of the cruise took the ship into the waters of Jeju, South Korea. There, Wang Yong, the artistic director of the China National Peking Opera Company, delivered an insightful lecture about the 200-year-old tradition of Peking Opera.

As the days passed, each stop along the itinerary served not only as a geographical waypoint but also as a deeper opportunity for cultural exchange. Onboard, passengers tried their hand at Peking Opera makeup, learning the art of painting the expressive, stylized faces that define the genre. They could also attend mini performances, where the troupe would explain the symbolic gestures and movements of the opera — how each step, each hand gesture and each note of music carried meaning far beyond the surface.

As the final curtain fell on the journey, the China National Peking Opera troupe's work was not done. Six more sailings await until November, continuing to bring the story of Peking Opera to international shores, spreading the timeless beauty of China's national treasure across oceans and into the hearts of all who are fortunate enough to witness it.