The Sage of Eastern Drama, Tang Xianzu

Civil Code Publicity Month | Helping You Understand the Civil Code

On May 28, 2020, the Third Session of the 13th National People’s Congress adopted China’s first Civil Code in the history of the People’s Republic of China, which came into effect on January 1, 2021. This landmark event marks a pivotal milestone in the development of the socialist rule-of-law system with Chinese characteristics and represents a major achievement in the building of socialist rule of law in China in the new era.

Yao Chuanxiang on the Performing Arts of “Youyuan” (Part I) — What Are “Baijiao,” “Heban,” “Sanshu,” and “Liusuoyao”?

Original Title: “A Lifelong Passion for Nature—A Casual Discussion of the Performance Artistic Techniques in ‘Youyuan’” Oral Account by Yao Chuanxiang, Compiled by Du Qin Yao Chuanxiang: “To treat ‘Youyuan’ merely as a lighthearted little song-and-dance piece is, in my view, far from advisable.”

Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall’s “Study the Four Dreams, Know Lord Tang” Online Quiz Event for International Museum Day, May 18

Tang Xianzu (1550–1616) was a renowned dramatist and literary figure of the Ming Dynasty in China. His courtesy name was Yiren, and he went by such sobriquets as Hai Ruo, Ruo Shi, and Qingyuan Daoren. Born into a distinguished scholarly family, Tang enjoyed an early reputation for his talent; he excelled not only in classical prose and poetry but also mastered works on astronomy, geography, medicine, and divination. Among his many accomplishments, his contributions to the art of drama stand out most prominently. His four major plays—“The Peony Pavilion,” “The Jade Hairpin,” “The South Chamber,” and “The Handan Dream”—are collectively known as the “Four Dreams of Linchuan.”

5·18 International Museum Day Event Preview (Part 2) | The “A Dream in the Garden” series of themed activities continues to roll out!

The International Council of Museums designates May 18 as International Museum Day each year, with the aim of raising public awareness of museums and jointly advancing the sustainable development of the cultural heritage sector. This year marks the 47th International Museum Day, under the theme “Museums, Sustainability, and Well‑Being.” The theme underscores that museums are vital contributors to community well‑being, a better quality of life, and social sustainability—ranging from supporting global climate action and fostering social inclusion to bridging social divides and enhancing mental health.

Appreciation of a Fine Work | To truly understand Tang Xianzu’s “The Tale of Handan” is to grasp the essence of life!

In his “Discourse on the Equality of Things,” Zhuangzi recounts a fable: One day, Zhuang Zhou dreamed that he had transformed into a butterfly, soaring freely through heaven and earth, and felt such delight that he completely forgot he was Zhuang Zhou. Yet soon after, when he awoke from his dream, he found himself once again to be Zhuang Zhou—not the butterfly. Thus he fell into deep contemplation: If he were never to wake from this dream, how could he distinguish between the butterfly and Zhuang Zhou? Or, what if dreaming itself were only a temporary awakening, and awakening merely a return to the dream—then in truth it would be the butterfly that dreams of becoming Zhuang Zhou, rather than Zhuang Zhou dreaming of becoming a butterfly.