"This is something that many of our friends look forward to each year. It doesn't require any preparation at all. It doesn't even matter if you've never seen a single play in your entire life. Even if you couldn't buy a ticket, you can attend the carnival, or the Emerging Theater Artists' Competition," Lai says.

"Wuzhen Theater Festival is a place for people to dream. We as creators are dreaming, and the audience members are here to dream. It's a unique experience. You can come here for one day or 10 days, be immersed in performances, eating, drinking tea or coffee, or chatting with strangers about plays, life and your thoughts."