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Launched in 2003 during the Chinese New Year, the Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts has become an annual Chinese heritage festival. This year, the Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts 2025 returns to the Esplanade from 7 to 16 Feb to give you a taste of rich Chinese culture.
If you haven’t been to past editions, Huayi presents creative works from plays to concerts that showcase the voices of Chinese artists. As a multi-genre arts festival, the shows and performances span a wide range that includes the traditional, contemporary, mainstream and cutting-edge.
While you’ll have to pay a fee for some events, a good number of them are free.
Check out these highlights at the Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts 2025.
1. The Reunion Dinner (PIP’s Playbox, 7-16 Feb)
Designed for children aged 3 to 6, The Reunion Dinner is a storytelling session that chronicles the tale of a family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year reunion dinner.
Follow the journey of each character and discover each person’s role in this celebration, and how they contribute to the dinner in their own ways.
The play, conducted in Mandarin, is helmed by Teo Pei Si, an actor and playwright passionate about exploring culture, heritage, and identity.
The event is free. For dates and timings, see here.
2. Workshop: Discover Hulusi (Esplanade White Room, 9 Feb, Sun, 1.30pm & 4.30pm)
Gain a first-hand introduction to the Hulusi, which is one of the most popular Chinese ethnic instruments. After some practice in making music, participants get to bring home their own Hulusi.
The wind instrument made from gourd and bamboo mesmerises listeners with its charming musical notes.
This workshop is led by Tong Wei Jie, a musician-cum-conductor dedicated to music education and community engagement.
A standard ticket will set you back by S$30.
3. Craft Activity: Traditional Chinese Coin Knots (Esplanade Concourse, 8-16 Feb)
Knotting is an age-old practice treasured by cultures worldwide. Chinese knotting, for example, is believed to have originated during the Tang and Song dynasties.
Join this event for an enchanting exploration of this centuries-old art form. Discover how the complicated knots embody the history of over a millennium.
The workshop is taught by Chia Ai Geok. She is a traditional Chinese knot maker who has spent over 3 decades crafting intricate designs.
The event is free. For dates and timings, see here.
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