Growing market is bolstered by official support

In recent years, Dalian's cultural market has grown steadily, according to Zhang Rongrong, manager of the People's Culture Club of Dalian, in the northeastern province of Liaoning.

Every year, the theater hosts more than 300 performances, including classical music, ballet, opera, crosstalk (a type of comedic dialogue) and contemporary drama, regularly selling about 70 percent of the available seats.

Modern dramas performed by well-known actors and written by award-winning playwrights are the most popular offerings, along with comedies. However, when big stars are involved it's difficult to obtain tickets, Zhang said.