April is here, bringing an incredible lineup of shows and exhibitions in Guangzhou! Whether you're into museums, music, or dance, this month's shows are set to dazzle and delight. From high-energy concerts to breathtaking artifacts, there's something for everyone. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be amazed—the show is calling, and you won't want to miss a single moment!

Here's your guide to the must-see shows in Guangzhou this April!

Exhibition

Exhibition of Treasures of Iranian Culture and Art (波斯文化藝術瑰寶展)

(Photo: Guangdong Museum)

Iran, a land of timeless history and rich cultural heritage, stands at the heart of Western Asia and the crossroads of the Silk Road. For centuries, it has been a hub of trade, culture, and artistic exchange between civilizations.  

From the golden lion-headed "bracelet of authority" of the Achaemenid Empire, symbolizing power and glory, to the exquisitely crafted gold necklace from the Sassanian Empire, these remarkable artifacts are being showcased on a national tour in China for the very first time, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of Iranian culture and art up close.

(Photo: Guangdong Museum)

The exhibition, Land of the Sun - Treasures of Iranian Culture and Art, presents 151 artifacts from five Iranian museums, including the Reza Abbasi Museum, the MoghadamMuseum, and the Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Iran, covering a vast historicalspan from 3000 BCE to the 20th century. These masterpieces are displayed alongside cultural treasures from Guangdong province, highlighting the richness of Iranian culture and art while celebrating the long-standing cultural exchanges between China and Iran.

(Photo: Guangdong Museum)

Date:March 30, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Venue:Hall 3, 3F, Guangdong Museum

Price:Free

How to make an appointment:Via the WeChat official account of the Guangdong Museum

Dance drama

Silk Road (絲路花雨)

(Photo: Guangdong Friendship Theatre)

Inspired by the Dunhuang murals (敦煌壁畫) in northwest China's Gansu province, Silk Roadis the most outstanding Chinese dance drama that brings the magnificent Dunhuang murals to life and illustrates the rich history and cultural exchanges of the ancient Silk Road. Originally premiered in 1979, it has played for over 40 years and was hailed as a milestone in Chinese dance drama, often referred to as "The Swan Lake of China."

Silk Road tells a touching story set along the ancient Silk Road during China's Tang Dynasty (618-907). It follows a kind-hearted Chinese father and daughter who risk everything to save a foreign merchant, leading to moments of joy and sorrow, friendship and sacrifice, and an unbreakable bond in times of hardship. It serves as a tribute to international friendship, embodying the Silk Road's enduring spirit of cooperation, mutual benefit, and cultural exchange.

Stage photo of Silk Road (Photo: Guangdong Friendship Theatre)

To create this dance drama, the choreographers and directors of the Gansu Dance and Opera Theatre visited Dunhuang City, northwest China's Gansu province, seven times in 1979 to research and gather inspiration. They sought ideas from the more than 2,000 painted sculptures and over 40,000 square meters of murals at the Mogao Caves (莫高窟), carefully studying the figures' postures, clothing, accessories, and even their facial expressions.

Stage photo of Silk Road (Photo: Guangdong Friendship Theatre)

Time:7:30 pm (Friday and Saturday), April 18 and 19, 2025

Venue:Guangdong Friendship Theatre

Duration: 110 minutes

Price:180 - 880 RMB

Where to get the tickets:Via the WeChat official account of Guangdong Friendship Theatre

*No entry for visitors with infants.

Blooming life (人在花間住)

(Photo: Guangdong Arts Theatre)

Blooming Life, a dance drama set in Guangzhou,follows the relationship between a mother suffering from Alzheimer's disease and her son, a landscape designer who prioritizes work over family connections. Throughelements such as flowers and water, the creators build a dreamlike world on stage, reflecting the inner world of Alzheimer's patients. Audiences will experience water-faring community (Dan Jia) culture (疍家文化) of China's southeastern coastal region and enjoy music that highlights the regional characteristics of the Lingnan region.

Stage photo of Blooming Life(Photo: Guangdong Arts Theatre)

Time:7:30 pm (Friday and Saturday), April 11 and 12, 2025

Venue:Guangdong Arts Theatre

Duration: 110 minutes

Price:120 - 580 RMB 

Where to get the tickets: Via the WeChat official account of Guangdong Arts Theatre

*No children shorter than 1.2 m will be admitted.

Live music

London's West End and Broadway musical stars gala concert (倫敦西區&百老匯音樂劇GALA全明星演唱會)

(Photo: Musicfans)

London's West End (倫敦西區) and New York's Broadway (百老匯) are the world's two biggest theatre hubs. They are widely considered the birthplaces of musicals. Many well-known musicals, such as Hamilton, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked, have made their way to the world from here.

This April, led by popular musical stars, an international pit orchestra will bring an authentic West End and Broadway musical experience to Guangzhou, featuring highlights from over ten classic musicals, including Hamilton, Les Misérables, Six, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, and Dear Evan Hansen. Come to Guangzhou for an unforgettable musical experience!

Time:3:00 pm/8:00 pm, Saturday, April 5, 2025

Venue:Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall

Price:180 - 880 RMB 

Where to get the tickets: The official website of Xinghai Concert Hall

*The setlist and performance order will be finalized at the venue.

Lenka「TheMagenta Tour 2025」

Lenka is an Australian singer and songwriter who has been making music since the early 2000s. She made her debut with the single "Trouble Is a Friend" in 2008 and gained mainstream attention with her follow-up single "The Show." Lenkahas a unique musical style that combines elements of folk, indie rock, electronica, and pop music. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and longing with a poetic sensibility.

Over the years, she has released several albums, including Attune(2015) and Intraspectral(2023), showcasing her evolution as an artist. Her songs have been featured in global film and TV productions such as Moneyball, Ugly Betty, and Grey's Anatomy.

Her work on Decoder Ring's Somersault soundtrack won the AFI for Best Song from a Film. Additionally, Billy Crystal once sang her song at the Oscars.

Lenka at the show (Photo: MAO Livehouse Guangzhou Zhongda Branch)

Time:8:30 pm, Friday, April 11, 2025

Venue:MAO Livehouse Guangzhou Zhongda Branch (Hall 1) 

Price:288 RMB (Early bird tickets); 388 RMB (General Admission); 688 RMB (VIP)

Where to get the tickets:The WeChat official account of MAO LivehouseGuangzhou Zhongda Branch