On October 21 and 22, over 40 artists from countries including Slovenia, Romania, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pakistan, and Nigeria participated in the event “Culture Tour of Beijing Opera·Beauty of Cycling” in Beijing. The event was organized by the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchanges Center (BOCEC) and featured English commentary throughout, offering a unique cycling experience of Beijing Opera landmarks. The artists started their journey from the birthplace of Beijing Opera, explored the Zhengyi Temple, admired the grand Changyin Pavilion within the Palace Museum, and delved into the historical Dongjiaomin Alley. The event offered a unique experience of Beijing Opera culture as well as the charms of the Beijing city.
Exploring the Rich Culture of Beijing Opera Amid the Timeless Beauty of the Ancient Capital
The participants to the cycling event are all outstanding artists in music, dance, and other artistic fields in foreign countries. They were eager to explore China’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism resources. The event organizer selected a number of iconic landmarks from the “Culture Tour of Beijing Opera Smart Map”. The artists set off from the landmark stone commemorating the birthplace of Beijing Opera, and cycled to the Zhengyi Temple with the reputation as the “living fossil of Chinese opera theater”. They marveled at the grand Changyin Pavilion, the largest Chinese opera theater within the Forbidden City, and explored the Dongjiaomin Alley, one of the longest historical alleyways in old Beijing. Throughout the journey, they were deeply impressed by the rich culture and traditions of the ancient capital.
During their stopover at Zhengyi Temple’s theater, the foreign participants were keen to explore this well-preserved wooden structure, which stands as China’s oldest opera theater with over 300 years of history. Here, they experienced the place that bore witness to the transformation of Chinese opera from “Yabu” (Kunqu Opera)” to “Huabu” (folk opera), which encapsulates the entire evolution of Beijing Opera, from its inception to growth and flourishing. In the intricately designed building, they savored the enduring charm of Beijing Opera.
Cycling on a Culture Journey amid Breathtaking Beauty: Embracing a Fashionable and Green Lifestyle
Bathed in the cool breeze under the warm autumn sun, the artists embarked on a unique journey through the world of Beijing Opera, forging an intimate connection with the city of Beijing as they cycled—an integral part of a healthy and low-carbon lifestyle. The artists captured the scenic beauty with their phones and shared the photos and videos on social media, expressing their delight in this meaningful and inspiring cycling experience.
Octavian Tudor from Romania said, “This event is fantastic. I love cycling, and this is a splendid way to encounter Beijing from a different perspective.”
Lazari Georgia from Greece said, “I was deeply impressed by the Zhengyi Temple. It’s a purely wooden structure, filled with history and cultural heritage. It’s indeed a beautiful blend of culture and architecture.”
Mario Zovko from Bosnia and Herzegovina exclaimed, “Beijing Opera is truly magnificent, with ingenious elements everywhere. I look forward to more opportunities to learn about Chinese art and culture.”
The “Culture Tour of Beijing Opera·Beauty of Cycling” event has been held for three consecutive years, drawing attention from and gaining popularity among friends at home and abroad. Leveraging the rich Beijing Opera culture and offering a fashionable, immersive travel experience, the event aims to further explore the fusion of Beijing Opera with Beijing’s history, culture and traditions, by incorporating elements of fashion into innovative activities, and attract even more international participants in future. It endeavors to make a significant contribution to the integration of culture and tourism to effectively communicate Beijing Opera to a wider audience.
