3 items
Quyi (Folk Arts)
The art of spoken-word performance: storytelling, comic dialogue, and lyrical recitation that have entertained audiences for centuries.
UNESCO Inscribed
Suzhou Pingtan
A refined Suzhou art of storytelling through song, where a single performer narrates epic tales with pipa accompaniment.
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE)
Cross-Talk (Xiangsheng)
China's beloved comedic dialogue tradition — rapid-fire wit, wordplay, mimicry, and social commentary between two performers.
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century CE
Sichuan Qingyin
A delicate female vocal art from Sichuan, known for its clear, ornamented singing and bamboo percussion accompaniment.
Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE)