Suzhou Hidden Gems/6 Things to Do at the China Kunqu Opera Museum

Visited the China Kunqu Opera Museum on a rainy day in early winter. Although I've lived in Suzhou for many years, I still can't understand Kunqu opera, but I still find it very pleasant to listen to, haha. The architecture and atmosphere are definitely worth seeing. The best part is that there are no crowds and it's free. Here's a guide to what to see at the Kunqu Opera Museum. ✅️1. Learn about the history of Kunqu opera From Wei Liangfu to Liang Chenyu, from "The Story of Washing Silk" to "Fifteen Strings of Cash", from characters to representative works, the music in the museum takes you back to the era when Kunqu opera was popular. ✅️2. Admire the ancient architecture of the Quanjin Guild Hall The central building is a grand hall with an ancient stage, retaining the architectural features of Shanxi merchants, and forming a sharp contrast with the buildings on both sides. The ancient stage is especially impressive, even praised by the master architect I. M. Pei. ✅️3. See the Kunqu opera props and name plaques In the Nanmu Hall on the west side, you can see the Kunqu opera name plaques, which were made by Le Yu in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. They are made of more than 100 pieces of redwood carvings and are the "treasures of the museum". ✅️4. Enjoy the red leaves of late autumn On the west side of the museum, there is a quiet courtyard with a pond and rockery, where you can enjoy the red maple leaves. It's a great place to take photos, with no crowds and a poetic atmosphere. ✅️5. See Kunqu opera cartoons In the Osmanthus Hall, where the words "Wei Liang Yiyun" are engraved, you can enjoy the opera character paintings by the master Gao Made. ✅️6. Listen to Kunqu opera masterpieces The interactive exhibits at the museum are very well done, with players and headphones everywhere, allowing you to listen to famous Kunqu opera pieces. 👉Travel Information: China Kunqu Opera Museum (Quanjin Guild Hall) Recommended visit time: 0.5–1 hour Tickets: Free, no reservation required, you can enter directly (no ID card required) Location: Pingjiang Historical Block