Language
English Español Français العربية Русский
Radio TV
Language
Radio TV

Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

In pictures: Meet Qinqiang, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera

Culture 19:43, 18-Dec-2024

By Xu Chenlu

The wax figure of a
The wax figure of a "sheng" role, representing the primary male role.

The wax figure of a "sheng" role, representing the primary male role.

The wax figure of a
The wax figure of a "dan" role, representing female roles, including "qingyi" (graceful and dignified) and "huadan" (lively and witty).

The wax figure of a "dan" role, representing female roles, including "qingyi" (graceful and dignified) and "huadan" (lively and witty).

The wax figure of a
The wax figure of a "jing" role, featuring bold and dramatic male characters with distinctive facial makeup – "lianpu".

The wax figure of a "jing" role, featuring bold and dramatic male characters with distinctive facial makeup – "lianpu".

The wax figure of a
The wax figure of a "chou" role, the comic relief character, playing the role of mischievous servants or clever strategists.

The wax figure of a "chou" role, the comic relief character, playing the role of mischievous servants or clever strategists.

A picture of wax figures of the famous characters in Qinqiang Opera with the four roles of
A picture of wax figures of the famous characters in Qinqiang Opera with the four roles of "sheng," "dan," "jing" and "chou."

A picture of wax figures of the famous characters in Qinqiang Opera with the four roles of "sheng," "dan," "jing" and "chou."

The
The "lianpu" (facial mask) of Guanyu, a legendary general during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD) and one of the most revered figures in Chinese history, known for his loyalty, bravery and righteousness.

The "lianpu" (facial mask) of Guanyu, a legendary general during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD) and one of the most revered figures in Chinese history, known for his loyalty, bravery and righteousness.

Qinqiang Opera, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, originates from northwest China's Shaanxi Province and has a history of several hundred years, with its formation dating back to the mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Known for its bold, high-pitched singing and dramatic expressions, Qinqiang is deeply rooted in the folk traditions of northwest China. The performers use powerful vocal techniques to convey intense emotions, often accompanied by the banhu (a two-stringed instrument) and other musical instruments like drums and gongs.

The opera's themes usually center around loyalty, morality, justice and resistance against oppression, reflecting the straightforward and resilient character of people in the region. Its colorful costumes, distinct facial makeup and exaggerated body movements make it visually striking and culturally significant. China listed it as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items in 2006.

(All photos by Li Yang, courtesy of Baoji Qinqiang Opera Museum in Baoji City, Shaanxi Province)

Open in CGTN APP for better experience
Search Trends

EXPLORE MORE

CHOOSE YOUR LANGUAGE

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

Copyright © 2024 CGTN.
京ICP备20000184号
京公网安备 11010502050052号

互联网新闻信息许可证10120180008

Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466

EXPLORE MORE

CHOOSE YOUR LANGUAGE

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
京公网安备 11010502050052号

互联网新闻信息许可证10120180008

Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466