Chengdu Jinli
Source:Internet Author:Anonymous Tags:
Sichuan Chengdu jinli street Ancient
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| Article Guide:Dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), Jinli Street in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, was in ancient times one of the busiest of commercial boulevards of the Kingdom of Shu, during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). It is thus known as the First Street of the Shu Kingdom. |
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In a courtyard halfway down Jinli Street, classic pieces of Sichuan opera are staged regularly. The most interesting performance for tourists is the shadow play.
Shadow play, or leather-silhouette, shows is a traditional Chinese folk art with over one thousand years of history. The "actors" are brightly painted puppets. The hidden or hooded people manipulate the rods of the talking puppets to tell dramatic versions of traditional fairy tales and myths. The shadow play employs "total theater" integrating dance, music and drama into one art form. Gestures are based on a code of symbolic meanings shared by the actors and audience. The puppeteer moves and gesticulates depending on the stress of the dialogue. When the puppet moves gracefully, the puppeteer moves with the puppet. The puppeteer "transfers" his soul to the puppet, subordinating himself to the puppet and giving life to it.
Every day, these talking puppets attract throngs of visitors who are amazed by this strikingly concerted performance, especially overseas tourists. Among them are Catherine Jones and Roy Jackson from Australia.
Renovation of the street was completed at the end of 2004.Visitors from all over China and abroad gathered here in this ancient street to relax, take in the surroundings, and perhaps taste some of the local specialties. It is said that citizens of Chengdu are particularly fond of dining and socializing, and perhaps this is what helps to create the city‘s leisurely ambience.Chengdu has been newly designated as one of the ten most livable cities in China.
"I'm Catherine. I'm Roy. We are both from Australia. We have been on the street for only 10 minutes, but we really love the atmosphere here. The red lanterns all along the street are beautiful and make us feel warm. I like the shadow play very much. It's very interesting."
Zhou Yinong, one of the puppeteers, is proud that this traditional folk art enjoys great popularity.
"I've made many friends from both home and abroad. Last month, an Italian TV network invited me on a TV show to give a demonstration on how to make leather silhouettes and how to act with the puppets. I believe with this show, there will be more Italian friends who will know more about shadow plays and Chinese culture. Above all, I'm so glad to see many overseas friends are interested in Chinese culture."
