The start of the year is also a great time to return to the theatre. Across Guangdong, January's performance calendar features a rich selection of shows, from touring productions to local creations. This guide highlights performances worth adding to your calendar as the year gets underway.
Musical: The Phantom of the Opera
英文原版音樂劇《劇院魅影》
The original English production of The Phantom of the Opera returns to China as part of its 2025/26 international tour. First staged in London in 1986 with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, the musical has become a global classic, reaching over 160 million viewers across 58 countries and 205 cities.
Stage photo of The Phantom of the Opera (Photo: The Phantom of the Opera·London)
Based on Gaston Leroux's novel, the story follows a mysterious Phantom haunting the Paris Opera House. Fearsome yet gifted in music, he falls for the young singer Christine, struggling with unrequited love beneath the opera's grand façade.
This touring version preserves the original staging, including Harold Prince's direction, Gillian Lynne's choreography, and Maria Björnson's iconic sets and costumes. With Andrew Lloyd Webber's unforgettable score and powerful performances, The Phantom of the Opera remains a must-see for musical theatre fans and a timeless experience of romance, drama, and spectacle.
Stage photo of The Phantom of the Opera (Photo: The Phantom of the Opera·London)
Show Details
Guangzhou
Time: 2:00 pm/7:30 pm, January 20–February 8 (Closed on Mondays)
Venue: Guangzhou Opera House
Address: No.1, Zhujiang West Road, Tianhe District
Duration: Approximately 155 minutes (including a 20-min intermission)
Price: ￥1380, 1280, 1180, 1080, 980, 880, 780, 680, 580, 480, 380, 280
Where to get tickets: Scan the QR code below
*Performed in English with Chinese subtitles
*Children under 1.2 m not admitted.
Dance drama: Awakening Lion
大型民族舞劇《醒獅》
Stage photo of Awakening Lion (Photo: Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre)
Awakening Lion brings the dynamic tradition of Guangdong's lion dance to the stage in a bold and visually striking production. Rooted in history, it is set against the backdrop of the Opium Wars (1840–1842), building to the Sanyuanli anti-British uprising, one of China's first successful armed resistances against foreign aggression. Combining lion dance, Chinese martial arts, folk dance, and music, the production tells a story of courage, identity, and collective spirit.
The narrative follows two young lion dancers as they confront love, loyalty, and personal choices, reflecting the resilience and fighting spirit of southern Chinese communities. Meticulously developed over five years, the production draws on extensive historical research, visits to key cultural sites, and innovative choreography to bring the lion's symbolism as a protector and emblem of awakening to life.
With powerful performances, vivid staging, and immersive choreography, Awakening Lion offers audiences a moving celebration of Chinese cultural heritage, heroism, and the enduring pursuit of dignity and strength.
Stage photo of Awakening Lion (Photo: Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre)
Show Details
Foshan
Time: 2:30 pm/7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, January 10–11
Venue: Foshan Grand Theatre
Address: No. 1 Huakang Road, Lecong Town, Shunde District
Duration: Approximately 120 minutes (including a 15-min intermission)
Price: ￥680, 580, 480, 380, 280, 180
Where to get tickets: Scan the QR code below
Guangzhou
Time: 7:30 pm, Saturday to Wednesday, January 24–28
Venue: Hung Sin-nui Arts Centre
Address: 363 Hai'an Road, Tianhe District
Duration: Approximately 120 minutes (including a 15-min intermission)
Price: ￥580, 480, 380, 180, 80
Where to get tickets: Scan the QR code below
Dance drama: The Eternal Wave
舞劇《永不消逝的電波》
Hailed as one of the finest Chinese dance dramas, The Eternal Wave brings history vividly to the stage. Inspired by the true story of Li Bai, a Chinese intelligence agent, the production follows his twelve-year undercover mission in 1930s–40s Shanghai, capturing moments of danger, loyalty, and quiet courage.
The story unfolds entirely through movement, without dialogue, supported by clever use of props, newspapers, and telegrams, bringing Shanghai’s streets and daily life to the stage. Cinematic lighting, dynamic stage design, and fluid choreography immerse audiences in a tense, suspenseful world.
The drama reveals the human side of heroism: ordinary people driven by extraordinary beliefs, navigating fear and loss with resilience. It offers audiences a moving, unforgettable experience of courage, faith, and enduring ideals.
Stage photo of The Eternal Wave (Photo: Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts)
Show Details
Shenzhen
Time: 2:00 pm/7:30 pm, Friday to Sunday, January 16-18
Venue: Shenzhen Guangming Culture and Art Center
Address: Northeast corner of Chuangtou Road and Guanguang Road, Guangming District
Duration: Approximately 135 minutes (including a 15-min intermission)
Price: ￥880, 680, 480, 380, 280, 180
Where to get tickets: Scan the QR code below
Foshan
Time: 2:30 pm/7:30 pm, Friday to Sunday, January 23-25
Venue: Foshan Grand Theatre
Address: No. 1 Huakang Road, Lecong Town, Shunde District
Duration: Approximately 135 minutes (including a 15-min intermission)
Price: ￥880, 680, 480, 380, 280, 180
Where to get tickets: Scan the QR code below
German-language musical: Elisabeth (staged concert)
德語原版音樂劇《伊莉莎白》音樂劇版音樂會
The German-language musical Elisabeth tells the dramatic life story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi. Since its premiere in 1992, the musical has been performed more than 9,000 times worldwide and has attracted over 12 million audience members.
Considered a classic of European musical theatre, Elisabeth combines a powerful, rock-influenced score with a distinctive storytelling approach. The story offers a fresh perspective on Sisi's search for freedom within the constraints of royal life. Themes of love, identity, and personal choice give the musical a strong emotional pull.
Stage photo of Elisabeth (Photo: Guangzhou Opera House)
In its concert-style presentation, the focus is on the music and performances. Simple yet meaningful staging, elegant costumes, and large LED visuals help shape the story, while a live orchestra brings the score to life. Returning in 2026 with a new cast, Elisabeth remains a compelling choice for both first-time viewers and longtime fans.
Show Details
Guangzhou
Time: 2:30 pm/7:30 pm, Wednesday to Sunday, January 7-11
Venue: Guangzhou Opera House
Address: No.1, Zhujiang West Road, Tianhe District
Duration: Approximately 140 minutes (including a 20-min intermission)
Price: ￥1080, 880, 680, 480, 380, 280, 180
Where to get tickets: Scan the QR code below
Reporter | Li Muzi
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
