Commemorating the 215th Anniversary of the Birth of Cheng Changgeng, Founding Master of Peking Opera
“Into the Hometown of Cheng Changgeng — The 3rd ‘Tianzhushan Cup’ Youth Peking Opera Amateur Competition”
July 26 – August 2 · Qianshan, Anhui

This summer, Qianshan, Anhui, will become the brightest stage for young lovers of China’s national opera.

From July 26 to August 2, 2026, “Into the Hometown of Cheng Changgeng — The 3rd ‘Tianzhushan Cup’ Youth Peking Opera Amateur Competition” will grandly open in a spirit both solemn and vibrant, commemorating the 215th anniversary of the birth of Cheng Changgeng, the founding master of Peking Opera.
This is more than a competition — it is a grand celebration of national opera that can be experienced through travel.

Honoring Cheng Changgeng, Returning to the roots in Qianshan

Two hundred and fifteen years ago, Cheng Changgeng was born in Qianshan, Anhui.
Revered by later generations as the founding master of Peking Opera and the leader of the Huizhou Opera troupes, this great artist integrated Huizhou melodies, Kunqu opera, and Han tunes, laying the foundation for what would become China’s national opera.

Today, in Cheng Changgeng’s hometown, we honor this cultural pioneer through a youth Peking Opera amateur competition, allowing the sounds and rhythms of Peking Opera to echo once again across this fertile cultural land.
This is not only a contest of artistic skill, but also a relay of inheritance for the enduring legacy of the national art.

Eight Days, Far more than a competition

From July 26 to August 2, eight full days of wonders await:

• Finals of the Youth Peking Opera Amateur Competition — young rising talents from across the country will compete on the same stage, with performers of sheng, dan, jing, and chou roles each displaying their distinctive strengths.

• Master Lecture Hall — renowned Peking Opera artists will teach in person, sharing their expertise and answering questions.

• Exchange Performances — contestants and masters will appear on the same stage, learning from one another through performance.

• Opera Study Tours — participants will step into the hometown of Cheng Changgeng, trace the roots of Peking Opera, and immerse themselves in the charm of China’s national art.

This is not simply a competition, but a deep cultural journey into the world of Peking Opera.
Contestants will grow on stage, gain inspiration through study travel, and refine their artistry through the guidance of celebrated masters.

Messages from Masters, Warm expectations from leading artists

Judge of the competition and renowned laosheng performer Li Bo of the National Peking Opera Company sincerely invites young participants:

“From July 26 to August 2, we will gather in the hometown of Cheng Changgeng, where the finals of the 3rd ‘Tianzhushan Cup’ Youth Peking Opera Amateur Competition will grandly begin. I hope every contestant performs at their best, shows their unique style, and gives it their all!”

Song Xiaochuan, a first-class actor of the National Peking Opera Company and a celebrated xiaosheng artist, also offers encouragement to the children:

“I hope everyone will register enthusiastically. I look forward to seeing the children’s most精彩 performances and the strength of their training. We are waiting for you!”

Kang Jing, first-class actor of the Beijing Peking Opera Theatre and an outstanding third-generation inheritor of the Li School laodan tradition, sends this heartfelt message:

“Tianzhushan nurtured Cheng Changgeng, the great founding figure of our art. Today, here in this place, we hope to hear the living voice of Peking Opera inheritance. From July 26 to August 2, 2026, the finals of the 3rd ‘Tianzhushan Cup’ Youth Peking Opera Amateur Competition will grandly unfold in the hometown of Cheng Changgeng. During the event, there will also be master lectures, exchange performances, and opera study tours. I will be waiting for you at the judges’ table — move the mountains and waters of Anhui with your sincerity.”

Ascend the Heavenly Pllar, Attain Heaven's Favor

The event will be held in Qianshan, Anhui, home to Tianzhushan, a UNESCO Global Geopark and national 5A tourist attraction.
With its extraordinary peaks, flying waterfalls, and flowing springs, it is praised as “one of the most beautiful granite landscapes on Earth.”
Once bestowed by Emperor Wu of Han with the title of Southern Sacred Mountain, Tianzhushan has long been celebrated as one of China’s historic and cultural mountains.

Outside the competition, contestants and their families can climb Tianzhushan, admire its magnificent and graceful natural beauty, and experience the rich cultural heritage of “the source of Anhui, the birthplace of Peking Opera, the land of Chan Buddhism, and the hometown of Huangmei culture.”

Come to Qianshan to seek the roots of tradition, honor Cheng Changgeng, promote the national art, ascend Tianzhushan, and receive Heaven’s favor.

July 26, See you in Qianshan

The countdown has already begun.
This summer, let us gather in the hometown of Cheng Changgeng, witness the shining moments of young national opera performers, and listen to the new voice of Peking Opera inheritance in our time.
On July 26, in the hometown of Cheng Changgeng, with renowned masters in attendance and rising stars of the opera world gathering, we will be waiting for you amid the mountains and waters of Anhui.