Event Information | “Yu Ming Xingxiang: Tang Xianzu Opera Culture Classroom” Arrives at the High-tech Zone Experimental School

Jade fragrance, fragrant and delicate
Tang Xianzu’s Opera Culture Classroom
Entering the High-tech Zone Experimental School

Opera is one of Fuzhou’s most important cultural symbols. This is the hometown of Tang Xianzu, the renowned dramatist of the Ming Dynasty. “Love arises without knowing whence, yet it runs deep and unyielding”—more than four centuries ago, Tang Xianzu penned his timeless masterpieces, the “Four Dreams of Linchuan,” which continue to be cherished and performed to this day. To this day, Fuzhou also stages such national intangible cultural heritage forms as Fuzhou Tea-Picking Opera, Yihuang Opera, and Guangchang Meng Opera, while generations of inheritors of these traditions press forward through a delicate balance of preservation and innovation. The lingering charm that has been passed down through the ages is etched into the mortar between bricks and the tiles on rooftops, preserved in the melodies and rhythms of its music, and woven into the everyday lives and sentiments of its people…

On March 28, 2024, our museum brought two meticulously crafted, uniquely distinctive intangible cultural heritage opera‑based workshops to the High-tech Zone Experimental School, with the aim of fostering young people’s confidence in their local culture from an early age, ensuring that the artistry of opera endures and that Linchuan culture continues to radiate its timeless charm.



I. Intangible Cultural Heritage Opera Culture Classroom: Musical Theory


Chinese opera is a time-honored, comprehensive stage art form that only achieved its relatively complete artistic structure during the Han, Tang, Song, and Jin dynasties. It integrates music, literature, dance, visual arts, martial arts, acrobatics, and performance, standing out as a unique phenomenon in the history of world theater. The musical modes and traditional Chinese instruments of opera are themselves dazzling treasures within the rich cultural heritage of China.

The outreach educators began by tracing the origins of Chinese opera, then provided students with a detailed overview of musical instrument classifications, commonly used instruments in opera, and the differences between traditional and modern musical notations. They also introduced excerpts from Kunqu Opera’s “The Peony Pavilion.” Together, the students enjoyed a classic aria from “The Peony Pavilion,” “Zaoluo Pao,” captivated by its lyrical, delicate vocal style; their bright, clear eyes seemed to mirror the image of Du Liniang. Afterwards, the educators handed out hand‑held drums and patiently demonstrated how to accurately keep time with these instruments. The students were thoroughly delighted, eagerly following the instructors’ cues, as crisp, rhythmic chimes echoed throughout the classroom. At the end of the session, some students expressed their reluctance to see the educators go, hoping they would return often.






II. Intangible Cultural Heritage Opera Culture Classroom: Cloisonné Hair Ornaments

Opera headpieces refer to the ornaments worn by opera performers. In ancient times, these were crafted from kingfisher feathers; today, they are made from dyed goose feathers, paper, and other materials. As recorded in Meng Yuanlao’s “Dreams of the Capital” during the Song Dynasty, under the entry for the first month: “Along the southern part of the city, colorful canopies are erected, displaying a wide array of items—headgear and combs, pearls and jade, headpieces, clothing, floral decorations, neck ribbons, boots and shoes, and various trinkets.”

The educators began with an overview of opera character types and the headpieces worn by female roles, then moved on to the art of kingfisher‑feather inlay, exploring its origins and legacy. The presentation unfolded step by step, captivating the students, who were particularly awed by the exquisite beauty of kingfisher‑feather ornaments when they viewed high‑resolution images of cultural relics. Following this, the educators distributed materials, inviting the students to craft their own “kingfisher‑feather” hair clips, allowing them to experience firsthand the joy and creativity embedded in this intangible cultural heritage. The atmosphere was lively and engaging; some quick‑handed participants eagerly showcased their finished pieces, happily pinning their hair clips into their hair.







In recent years, our museum has continuously explored innovative classroom designs, expanded the influence of the Tang Xianzu cultural brand, and strengthened its roles in public outreach and education. By deepening collaboration between the museum and schools, we have integrated modern classrooms with traditional Chinese opera, presenting students with a vibrant and engaging glimpse into the rich world of opera and planting the seeds of China’s outstanding traditional culture in the young hearts of our youth.