Young people in Shanghai are "known to enjoy theatergoing and support classical Chinese art", she adds, and the artists feel honored to present their shows in the metropolis.

Yang Jing, Party secretary of the center, said at a news conference for Zeng's tour in Shanghai that they hope to "create more opportunities for Cantonese Opera, and introduce traditional opera as well as other Chinese art to the world".

The center has been the biggest champion of performing arts in Shanghai. Although outstanding global productions of theater, ballet and music are regularly held in the city, the center has also built a close partnership with performing art festivals, agencies and institutions abroad to help Chinese productions go on international tours.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the international arts festival to be postponed for two consecutive years, but the center is nevertheless working closely with international partners to make plans for future collaborations.

One of the 16 productions featured in the Show Life in Shanghai series is Butterfly Lovers, an acrobatic theater show that will premiere in Shanghai on Nov 12, and the center will take the production on tour to Europe in the future, as was announced last week.