Guangzhou is offering a packed lineup of cultural experiences this summer, from the new acrobatic production Sprouting Miracle—U Show and an exhibition showcasing over 410 cultural relics spanning 2,240 years of history to the 2026 Guangzhou Summer Civic Culture Season, which runs through October with more than 100 events in readiness across all 11 districts. Take your pick.
New acrobatic show based on "Greater Bay Chicken" IP debuts in Guangzhou
Sprouting Miracle—U Show, the new acrobatic sequel to Guangzhou's original production Sprouting Miracle, made its trial debut on August 22 at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center. A second trial performance is scheduled for August 23.
Created by the award-winning Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, the show builds on the popular "Greater Bay Chicken" IP based on the nickname for the 15th National Games mascots Xiyangyang and Lerongrong. The troupe said it plans to further develop the IP and gradually bring the productions to audiences across China.
Launched in February 2026, Sprouting Miracle has been staged more than 60 times in six months, generating over 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) in box office revenue. The new U Show retains the warmth of its predecessor while combining high-level acrobatics with street dance, immersive magic, audience interaction and multimedia technology.
The title "U Show" is a play on the Chinese word "优秀" (excellent) and carries three meanings: "You," representing every ordinary person striving for a better life in the city; "Unite," reflecting Guangzhou's inclusive and diverse character; and "Up," symbolizing growth, hope and resilience. Through a story of uncertainty, healing, growth and renewed confidence, the show explores how ordinary people can find their own moments of wonder.
Visually, the production moves from a futuristic cyberpunk cityscape to the warm atmosphere of Lingnan-style arcade streets and nighttime views of the Pearl River. The "Greater Bay Chicken" appears in different costumes and roles, including those of a passionate fighter, a gentle companion and a witness to moments of wonder, taking audiences on a journey to rediscover warmth in everyday urban life.
Founded in 1959, the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe has created acclaimed productions including the contemporary acrobatic show The Butterfly Lovers, the acrobatic drama Swan, the China-Chic acrobatic show Journey to the West—Wukong and the acrobatic show Sprouting Miracle. It has won more than 100 major domestic and international awards, including the Wenhua Award, a top accolade in China's performing arts, and the Golden Clown at the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.
Guangzhou exhibition showcases over 410 relics telling the city's 2,240-year history
The special exhibition "Guangzhou Through the Millennia: A Special Exhibition Marking 2,240 Years Since the City's Founding and 1,800 Years of Its Name" opened at the Guangzhou Museum of Art on August 22, 2026 and will run through August 22, 2027.
Featuring more than 410 pieces of cultural relics from museums and cultural institutions, including 51 first-class and 90 second-class cultural relics, the exhibition uses artifacts and historical texts to tell the story of Guangzhou's rich cultural heritage and vibrant history.
South has selected 10 highlights from the exhibition to give you a preview.
Bronze mirror with six "shan" (mountain) characters, Warring States Period
战国六山纹铜镜
Oval lacquer box lid with "Panyu" inscription, Qin Dynasty
秦“蕃禺”铭椭圆形漆盒盖
Jade burial suit sewn with silk thread, Western Han Dynasty
西汉丝缕玉衣
Gilt-bronze female figurine, Western Han Dynasty
西汉鎏金铜女俑
Necklace of gold balls and agate beads, Eastern Han Dynasty
东汉金球玛瑙珠串
Ceramic zodiac figurines, Tang Dynasty
唐陶生肖俑
Celadon phoenix-head ewer from Xicun Kiln, Song Dynasty
宋西村窑青釉凤首壶
Blue-and-white boat-shaped water dropper for calligraphy, Yuan Dynasty
元青花船形水注
Venetian silver coin, Ming Dynasty
明威尼斯银币
Painted-enamel crabapple-shaped flower basket with peony motifs and Kangxi reign mark, Qing Dynasty
清康熙款画珐琅牡丹纹海棠式花篮
If you go:
Venue: Guangzhou Museum of Art (Guangzhou Gallery of Art) 广州艺术博物院（广州美术馆）
By Metro:
Line 12: Chigang Pagoda Station (赤岗塔站), Exit B, and a one-minute walk
Line 3 and APM Line: Canton Tower Station (广州塔站), Exit B, and a 12-minute walk
Lines 3 and 8: Kecun Station (客村站), Exit A, and a 15-minute walk
Guangzhou Summer Civic Culture Season opens with over 100 events in readiness
The 2026 Guangzhou Summer Civic Culture Season officially opened on August 19 with a launch performance at the Guangzhou Cultural & Art Center, marking the start of the city's annual public cultural program.
Running from August through October, the season will feature more than 100 cultural events across all 11 districts of Guangzhou, including performances, competitions, intangible cultural heritage activities, creative events and exhibitions.
The program is organized around five main sections: community stages, cultural competitions, Lingnan culture, fashion and classics, as well as calligraphy and painting exhibitions.
From 2021 to 2025, the Guangzhou Summer Civic Culture Season hosted around 48,000 public cultural activities and supported the development of more than 1,000 grassroots community arts groups.
Author: Liu Lingzhi
Photos: Publicity Department of Guangzhou Municipal Government, Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, Guangzhou Cultural & Art Center
