At dawn, the bell of Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum awakens its ancient opera stage for a 20-minute journey through time. A painted scroll unfurls, and performers transform into legendary calligraphers, painters, and musicians—breathing life into China’s past before an enthralled crowd.  

For China’s 20th Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, state-owned troupes turned palace courtyards, city squares, and scenic spots into open-air theaters, blending drama, Peking opera, and storytelling with historic architecture. "Performing outdoors, feeling the audience's energy—it’s a connection you can’t replicate indoors," shares one actor.  

Celebrating 400 years of history, the museum’s carved beams and glazed tiles stand as testaments to centuries of artistry. But this year, heritage doesn’t just rest in relics—it dances, sings, and captivates. By reimagining where tradition meets performance, the Palace Museum proves: history isn’t just remembered—it lives.