Happy Chinese New Year · “Nihao! China” — Wu Opera Special Performance to Be Held in The Hague

On Saturday, 14 February 2026 at 13:00, the Happy Chinese New Year · “Nihao! China” — Wu Opera Special Performance will be staged at The Hague City Hall, bringing a vibrant celebration of traditional Chinese performing arts to Dutch audiences.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the support of the Municipality of The Hague and several Chinese community organizations in the Netherlands. The performance is presented by the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre (Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe).

Wu Opera, also known as Jinhua Opera, is the second major theatrical genre in Zhejiang Province with a history of more than 500 years. In 2008, it was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. This special program highlights the integrated artistry of singing, recitation, acting, and martial performance that defines Wu Opera, offering audiences a vivid introduction to the richness of traditional Chinese theatre.

The program features a diverse selection of classic excerpts and traditional performances, including the suona solo Picking Dates, the folk performance 9-Pieced Segmented Dragon, the martial playlet Dang Ma, and the famous episode Three Triumphs Over the Skeletal Demon from Journey to the West. Dance-driven and technically demanding pieces such as The Goddess of Heaven Scatters Flowers and Lyu Bu Tries the Horse will showcase the performers’ exceptional physical control and expressive artistry. The visually striking face-changing performance will further demonstrate the dramatic intensity and theatrical innovation of Chinese opera.

Produced by the Chen Meilan New Repertoire Group and performed by the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Centre, the production brings together accomplished artists whose mastery and stage presence reflect the enduring vitality of Chinese traditional theatre.

As part of the global Happy Chinese New Year cultural brand, this performance serves as a bridge for cultural dialogue between China and the Netherlands, fostering greater appreciation of Chinese heritage among international audiences. The China Cultural Center in The Hague continues to promote high-quality cultural programming to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people exchange between the two countries.