Pingtan

Pingtan is a singing art form in Suzhou dialect popular in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is the general name for Pinghua and Tanci. Pinghua is a kind of one-person performance, and Tanci is usually performed by two people who tell stories to the accompaniment of Chinese traditional stringed instruments. Stories of Pingtan can be about historical events, famous heroes, romantic love and folk legends.

Jubin House is an old teahouse in Zhouzhuang and it is the only place where Pingtan is performed. The house is decorated in an antique style with lines of tea tables inside. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of tea while watching performances.