Guangzhou's Liwan district held its first Cantonese Opera Carnival on June 8, giving opera lovers the opportunity to soak up and absorb haunting harmonies and scintillating storytelling.

Sponsored and organized by the publicity department of Liwan district and its bureau of culture, radio, TV, film, press and publication, the event was aimed at protecting and promoting the traditional art form.

A cultural gala of Cantonese Opera is held in Guangzhou's Liwan district on June 6. [Photo/lw.gov.cn]

The festival coincided with the first anniversary of the opening of the Cantonese Opera Arts Museum.

The organizers also invited people to drink tea, appreciate music, martial arts, acrobatics and acting, as well as guessing riddles.

Some lucky opera fans even got the chance to learn how to apply Cantonese Opera make up and try on the iconic and elaborate costumes.

In addition, the long-expected library for Cantonese Opera opened to the public, allowing people from all walks of life to better understand the art.

Performers wait to take to the stage to celebrate the first Cantonese Opera Carnival in Guangzhou's Liwan district on June 8. [Photo by Tan Qingju/oeeee.com] 

The Cantonese Opera Arts Museum opens to the public on June 9, 2016, offering a window for opera lovers to better understand the traditional art form. [Photo/oeeee.com]