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The Origin, Formation, and Flourishing of Peking Opera

  The Origin, Formation, and Flourishing of Peking Opera Chinese opera has a long historical origin. The most widely recognized and complete form of opera (theatrical performance) appeared during the Song Dynasty, but its roots can be traced back to ancient music and dance rituals. From the Song to Yuan and Ming-Qing Dynasties, various forms of drama, such as Zaju , Nanxi , and Chuanqi , flourished one after another. Different regions gradually developed their own distinct operatic styles and musical tones. During the reigns of the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors in the Qing Dynasty, apart from the continuing popularity of Kunshan tone and Yiyang tone , many new local operas emerged, each with different vocal systems. These various tones were later collectively referred to as the “Five Major Tones” , which are: Kun tone , Gao tone , Xiansuo tone , Bangzi tone , and Pihuang tone . During the Qianlong period, the theatrical world saw the so-called “Controversy between the Hua and Ya Sc...
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Prosperity and Happiness! This is How the First Spring Festival After the Heritage Application Was Celebrated

  The Spring Festival: A Celebration of Tradition and Unity The Spring Festival is the first of all festivals, and spring takes precedence over all seasons. As the Yi-Si New Year gently arrives, people rush to reunite with their families, exchange New Year greetings, and gather together... The familiar atmosphere of the holiday is all around. Chinese people have celebrated this holiday for thousands of years, but now it has gained a brand-new significance. Over a month ago, “Spring Festival—The Social Practice of Celebrating the Traditional Chinese New Year” was successfully included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. From “traditional festival” to “cultural heritage,” from “Chinese New Year” to “global New Year,” the taste of the Yi-Si Spring Festival now resonates more deeply with people’s hearts. The longing for “harmony” is more fulfilling— Returning home for the New Year, reuniting with family. The rich and diverse activities during the Spring Fe...
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Meiling Palace in Nanjing, Jiangsu: A Whiff of History's Fragrance

  Exploring the Mystique of Meiling Palace: Song Meiling's Former Residence in Nanjing Located in Nanjing's Xuanwu District, nestled within the Zhongshan Mausoleum Scenic Area, the Meiling Palace stands as a national key cultural heritage site. Once the residence of Madame Song Meiling, this historic building exudes a profound sense of history and elegance. Zhongshan Music Stage: A Harmonious Tribute Situated southeast of the Bo’ai Square within the Zhongshan Mausoleum Scenic Area, the Zhongshan Music Stage was constructed between 1932 and 1933. Covering approximately 4,200 square meters, it was designed as part of the Zhongshan Mausoleum complex to host ceremonies commemorating Dr. Sun Yat-sen, as well as musical performances and public gatherings. The music stage was designed by renowned architects Guan Songsheng and Yang Tingbao. Construction began in the autumn of 1932 and was completed in August 1933. This thoughtfully designed venue harmonizes with its natural surrounding...
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China's Nanjing Yun Jin: A Millennium of Luxurious Craftsmanship

Nanjing Yun Jin: A Timeless Masterpiece of Craftsmanship Nanjing Yun Jin, officially known as "Nanjing Yun Jin Wood Loom Handwoven Embroidery Technique," is truly a living treasure of craftsmanship, embodying the saying “寸锦寸金” (every inch of silk is as valuable as gold). And it's not just a metaphor! The craftsmanship behind Yun Jin is highly intricate, involving over a dozen detailed steps, including processes like pattern forming, edge cutting, threading, knotting, flower pulling, shuttle throwing, and many more. Altogether, it adds up to more than a hundred steps, showcasing an unparalleled level of craftsmanship. In ancient Chinese textiles, "Jin" represented the pinnacle of weaving techniques. Nanjing Yun Jin is a distilled essence of China’s silk weaving expertise and is one of the three most renowned brocades in ancient China. This exquisite art form is mainly found in the five districts of Nanjing: Qinhuai, Jianye, Baixia, Xuanwu, and Qixia. Did you know...
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Paper Endures for a Thousand Years, Ink Flows with Endless Variations: Exploring the Story of Xuan Paper, a Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage

  Exploring the Millennia-Old Legacy of Xuan Paper Xuan Paper , a gem of humanity's intangible cultural heritage, originates from China and boasts a history of over 1,500 years. More than just an ideal medium for writing and painting, it stands as a symbol of Chinese culture. The primary materials for Xuan paper come from the bark of the blue sandalwood tree and rice straw grown in the Jingxian region. Through over a hundred meticulous processes, the paper takes its final form. The region’s distinct four seasons and abundant sunlight create the perfect natural conditions for its production. Renowned for its unique texture and properties, Xuan paper is often called "Paper That Endures for a Thousand Years, Ink That Flows with Endless Variations." Revered as the "King of Paper," it is cherished by scholars and artists alike. Its softness, absorbency, and ink-retaining qualities allow calligraphy and paintings to display a vast array of artistic expressions. The tr...
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