Kun opera, also named Kunqu opera, was listed as one of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in May 2001. Kunqu opera was introduced into Chenzhou during the Wanli Era of the Ming Dynasty, and then developed into Hunan Kun opera with its local characteristics on the basis of fully absorbing local operas, languages and customs. Since the establishment of New China, especially since the reform and opening-up which has been carried out for more than 20 years, Hunan Kun opera troupe has grown in strength and was designated as one of national professional Kunqu opera troupes under state-level protection by Ministry of Culture. Hunan Kunqu opera troupe has made performances in Beijing six times and at Zhongnanhai twice, the central headquarters of the CPC and the government of the PRC, and also has presented performances as a member of China Kun opera delegation in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The repertoire "Mad Scholar Settling a Lawsuit" performed by this opera troupe once was picturized as a film by Central Studio of News Reels Production in China and was exhibited throughout the country.

 

At present, there are three winners of "Plum Blossom Prize" of Chinese drama in Chenzhou (totally seven winners awarded such a prize in Hunan), and they are Zhang Fuguang and Fu Yiping of Hunan Kunqu Opera Troupe and Guo Weimin of Chenzhou Songs and Dances. 570 folk songs of Chenzhou are collected into Collection of Hunan Folk Song, and 135 folk compositions into Collection of Hunan Folk Instrumental Music. The Kunqu operas "Legend in Suxian", "High Buildings Vaguely Traced in a Mist" and "A Story of a Thornwood Hairpin" as well as operas "Apartment· No. 13" and "Making a Solute with Hands Missing" have won acclamation and prizes at the national and provincial level.

 

By 2001, Chenzhou had a total of 337 cultural facilities or organizations, including 10 art-performing groups, 12 cultural art galleries, 11 public libraries, 14 archives and 4 museums. Also, Guiyang county and Zixing city have been entitled National Cultural Model County and Provincial Cultural Advanced County respectively.