Xinwu district opens three new cultural venues

The opening ceremony for three new cultural venues in Meicun sub-district, Wuxi's Xinwu district is held on July 17. [Photo/xinwu_wx]

Three new cultural venues featuring traditional Chinese operas, Peking Opera facial masks drawing, and silkworms opened to the public in Meicun sub-district, Wuxi's Xinwu district on July 17.

Meicun town, also known as Meili in ancient times, is the birthplace of Wu culture. It is also renowned for being the home of the erhu, the traditional Chinese musical instrument often referred to as the "Chinese fiddle."

Officials said that the three newly-opened cultural venues will help to provide more cultural resources and activities to local residents in Wuxi.

Zhao's Workshop is a cultural venue of traditional Chinese operas, especially Yueju. It is led by Zhao Zhigang, a famous Yueju Opera artist.

The cultural venue will work to offer performances of traditional Chinese operas, train students, and support derivative cultural industries in Wuxi.

Two works of Sun Guokang are displayed at the Guoyun Culture Workshop. [Photo/wxrb.com]

The Guoyun Culture Workshop is directed by Sun Guokang, a Chinese artist renowned for painting Peking Opera masks, alters the dimensions and features of a typical mask.

Sun has been fascinated with mask-making since he was eight years old. His father was a Peking Opera actor.

Sun's work continues to enjoy wide success in Japan, South Korea, Italy, France, and the United States.

Meili Silkworm Cultural Center is located in Meili Ancient Town, providing visitors with information on silkworm cultivation, filament reeling and spinning, weaving, printing, as well as dyeing.

Locals visit the Meili Silkworm Cultural Center on July 17. [Photo/wxrb.com]