The cast of the dance drama A Dream of Red Mansions makes its curtain call after the performance at the Nantong Grand Theatre. [Photo/Nantong Grand Theatre]

As an important highlight of the Nantong International Dance Drama Season in 2026, the original production of the dance drama A Dream of Red Mansions was staged at the Nantong Grand Theatre in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, from May 15 to 17, sparking a fresh wave of enthusiasm among audiences.

To further enhance the viewing experience, Nantong has specially organized Red Mansions-themed events for this year's drama season, featuring interactive garden tours, intangible cultural heritage creations, and delicacies inspired by the novel of the same name.

For example, the themed delicacies include dishes such as rouge goose breast and jujube yam cake, exhibiting the beauty of traditional culture from a fresh perspective.

This year's dance drama season not only features popular productions but also introduces innovative interactive experiences. With activities every week, the event promises continuous excitement. The rich cultural offerings create a new scene of cultural consumption that is enjoyable, engaging, and accessible, allowing citizens to encounter top-tier art and traditional culture right at their doorstep.

Wu Ruipeng, deputy general manager of Nantong Cultural and Art Center Management, highlighted that this year's dance drama season is committed to "promoting national culture and strengthening cultural confidence." By aligning with market supply and citizens' high-quality performance demands, the season selects premium productions and plans unique supporting activities, comprehensively upgrading urban cultural services, Wu said.