 Ancient arts resonate today
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-04 07:42
Xi'an has always been vibrant host to the arts - the city itself is a living history book that records cultural progress through literary works, sculpture, calligraphy, painting, opera and folk crafts. The arts were passed from generation to generation, adding simple and delicate traditional crafts as well as sophisticated artistic treasures to the cultural legacy of China. Qin Qiang opera: 2,000 years old art, it is considered the progenitor of all Chinese opera. It features roaring and howling that exemplifies the simple, rough and vigorous life of Xi'an, as well as the open and confident efforts of people today. Famous modern Chinese writer Lu Xun called it the "lonely play of ancient tunes". Chang'an calligraphy and paintings: Ancient and modern masterpieces of calligraphy remain not only in memory, but also in the Forest of Steles Museum. Locals are so fond of painting that even farmers in Huxian County create masterpieces that enter the collections of a dozen museums around the world due to their unsophisticated portrayal of rural life. Ancient music of Chang'an: Dubbed "fossils of music", the ancient symphonies of China were played in royal palaces during the Tang Dynasty 1,300 years ago using drums, pipes and stringed instruments. Xi'an musicians have revived about 1,000 musical pieces and play them on stages across the globe. Qujiang New Area: A model tourist park featuring the culture of the Tang Dynasty, it received more than 20 million tourists from home and abroad in 2007. Cuisine and snacks: Food in Xi'an is often associated with legendary tales. Among the hundreds of folk snacks and dishes, nearly 100 have won medals and fame in and outside the country. Niurou paomo or yangrou paomo, beef or mutton soup with soaked buns, dishes dating back 3,100 years, are listed as part of the nation's intangible heritage. China Daily
(China Daily 07/04/2008 page10) |
