The China Opera Festival 2017 is set to open in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on Dec 16. Since 2011, the Ministry of Culture, supported by local governments, has hosted two opera festivals in Fujian and Hubei provinces. Works such as Tulou, Red River Valley, and Suwu of the Han Dynasty received favorable reviews from both critics and audiences alike.

During this year's festival, 23 opera works — the highest number to date — from all around the country will been performed not only in Nanjing, but also in other cities in Jiangsu such as Xuzhou and Yixing. Free lectures about the opera works will also be given.

Among the 23 operas, there are works adapted from real-life events, the Chinese revolution, historical figures and events, and also Western operas.

Modern Chinese opera works will be one of the highlights of this year's festival. Eight such works will be performed during the festival.

In addition, to allow more people access to the operas, the prices of tickets have been set to range from 20 yuan ($3) to a maximum of 120 yuan. More than 60 percent of the tickets will be priced under 60 yuan.