Performers from Zhejiang's Suichang county present the classic Kunqu play The Peony Pavilion in Malta, April 8. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Artists from Suichang county, Zhejiang province, presented The Peony Pavilion, a classic Kunqu Opera production, in Malta April 8 as part of an international exchange event co-organized by Chinese and Maltese cultural institutes.

The play is a masterpiece by Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu (1550-1616) from the Ming Dynasty, known among his admirers as "China's Shakespeare".

He was once the director of Suichang county and won a lot of respect from the public because of his thoughtful consideration for people and outstanding administrative performance.

It was said that Tang wrote his most renowned play, The Peony Pavilion, in Suichang, which made the rendition from the county's performers more meaningful.

Two women from Malta try on traditional Chinese opera costumes after admiring the Kunqu Opera production April 8. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

The performance in the European country, featuring touching plots, beautiful melodies and elegant moves, enchanted the overseas audience and garnered cheers and applause.

Albert Storace, a local reporter, said he was very impressed by the Chinese art form and expressed his longing to visit Suichang in the future.

Cheng Linfei, director of the county's cultural hall, said they hoped to promote the culture concerning Tang Xianzu on the global stage and raise Suichang's international profile through more cultural events.

A woman presents Chinese tea to Maltese audience during a tea art performance in the European country April 8. [Photo/Chinanews.com]