Shenzhen's original dance drama 'Wing Chun' to stage two shows in Andong, South Korea

Video by SZTV

The internationally acclaimed Shenzhen original dance drama "Wing Chun" is set to land in South Korea. From July 31 to Aug. 1, this pinnacle of Chinese stage art will be staged twice at the Andong Culture & Arts Center, promising Korean audiences an authentic feast of Chinese dance theater through its groundbreaking fusion of martial arts and dance.

Shenzhen's Original Dance Drama Wing Chun – A Benchmark of Chinese Stage Art

A poster for the "Wing Chun" performances to be staged in Andong, South Korea this week. Photos courtesy of the event organizers

Produced and performed by the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater, and led by the renowned choreographer duo Han Zhen and Zhou Liya, "Wing Chun" is widely celebrated as a landmark in contemporary Chinese dance drama. 

Departing from conventional stage norms, the production innovatively merges two of China's national intangible cultural heritage elements — Wing Chun and Xiangyunsha (gambiered Canton gauze). It pushes the boundaries of theater and pioneers a stage language where martial arts and dance become one, radiating both Eastern elegance and international appeal.

The drama unfolds through two parallel storylines. One traces the legendary life of Wing Chun grandmaster Yip Man, who revitalized the martial art and used it to promote benevolence. The other follows a present-day filmmaker chasing a dream, weaving a touching tale across time about ordinary people who hold fast to their passions and achieve the extraordinary.

On stage, performers seamlessly blend the explosive power and precision of martial arts with the fluid grace of contemporary dance. A tight plot, exquisite stage design, richly textured costumes crafted from Xiangyunsha — an intangible cultural heritage treasure — and an immersive musical score combine to deliver a spectacular audiovisual experience.

Since its premiere, "Wing Chun" has toured major cultural capitals across the globe — including Singapore, London, Paris, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Toronto — logging over 300 performances. Wherever it goes, it generates enthusiastic acclaim from audiences and critics alike, both at home and abroad.

'Wing Chun's Korean Premiere Extends a Heartfelt APEC 'Gather in Shenzhen'

"Wing Chun" arrives in South Korea at a particularly meaningful moment — the APEC “China Year” — as China assumes the APEC chairmanship in 2026. In 2025, Gyeongju, South Korea, successfully hosted the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. In 2026, Shenzhen will take over the baton and host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. This back-to-back hosting by China and South Korea has created a remarkable chapter of Asia-Pacific cooperation and exchange.

China and South Korea are close neighbors separated by a narrow strip of sea, sharing deep-rooted Eastern cultural traditions and a long history of mutual exchange. Andong, often called the "treasure house of Korean cultural heritage," is renowned for its rich folk traditions and culture, and is also the hometown of President Lee Jae-myung.

"Wing Chun"s South Korea tour is a signature cultural exchange event of the APEC "China Year." It not only reflects the friendship forged through the two countries' consecutive APEC hostings, but also represents a high-level, in-depth dialogue between civilizations. At the same time, the performances extend a sincere invitation to the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen — a heartfelt “Shenzhen invitation” that looks forward to welcoming Korean friends once again.

In addition to the two performances, the tour will feature a rich lineup of side events, including Chinese intangible cultural heritage workshops, themed exhibitions, and cultural salons. These activities are designed to build bridges for deeper artistic exchange between China and South Korea, while allowing the Korean public to experience the charm of China’s intangible cultural heritage up close, fostering greater mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and opening a new chapter in China–South Korea cultural ties.

Advertisements of "Wing Chun" are seen in Hyehwa Subway Station in Seoul. 

Advertisements of "Wing Chun" in a bus station near Hyehwa Subway Station.