At the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China, there were only single-mode culture, namely, Guangdong opera(Canton Opera) and traditional music.

In the early 1960s, Gaungdong Opera Theatre and Guangzhou Opera Troupe were founded, new programs were created and performing skills were developed.

By 1965, there were 38 performance troupes including Guangdong opera, Beijing opera, drama, puppet show, caicha opera, song and dance, acrobatics and light music.

At the same time, the performance places were renovated and new ones were built. The number of the performance places increased from 13 in 1949 to 26 in 1965, and another 13 comprehensive cultural and recreational venues were established.

The reform and opening up brought great changes to the cultural undertakings of Guangzhou. For the purpose of meeting the increasing cultural demand of the people, the culture of Guangzhou changed gradually from the single mode formed in accordance with the old planned economy to an open and colorful one that fits the socialist market economy.

The reform of the art sector enhanced the strength of art performance groups and enriched the programs. In 1998, Guangzhou had 19 professional performance groups, which gave 5,737 performances in a year. The art performance venues have been improved. Most of the theatres including sound and light facilities and seats have been renovated. Xinghai Concert Hall, a first class multifunctional hall, was completed in 1997. By the end of 1998, there were altogether 20 theatres with 24,600 seats.

The mass cultural activities are vigorous and constant. There were 183 mass art museums and cultural stations in 1998, which formed a cultural network in the city.

Library establishment has developed by a large pace. The circulation volume more than doubled when Guangzhou Library was completed in 1982,. As the completion of the New Zhongshan Library and libraries of the districts and county-level cities under administration of Guangzhou, the library establishment took on a new look. By the end of 1998, there were altogether 15 libraries with 7.7 million books.

The cultural relic protection and exhibition have been gradually recognized. By 1998, there were 23 museums and memorials, 15 more than that of 1978. There were 197,000 historic object pieces, 49.2% more than that of 1978.
         
Editor: Weiwei