Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shenxian County — Tongzhiying Dapingdiao Opera in Guyun Town

LIAOCHENG, China, Apr. 21, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

Guyun Town in Shenxian County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, is situated at the intersection of four counties across Shandong and Henan provinces. Influenced by the cultural exchanges between the two provinces, the town has nurtured a thriving tradition of local opera.

 

Dapingdiao, also known as “Big Bangzi Opera,” shares similarities with Shandong Bangzi in vocal style but is distinguished by its lower pitch, hence the name “Pingdiao” (flat tune). The performance preserves traditional operatic singing techniques and stylized movements. Renowned for its bold and vigorous vocals, the opera features lyrics rooted in local dialects, making it widely popular among rural communities.

 

Tongzhiying Dapingdiao has now been passed down to its sixth generation of inheritors. The current practitioners have joined the Guyun Town Cultural Volunteer Team and regularly organize performances. With a repertoire of over 200 plays, the cultural lives of local residents have been significantly enriched.

 

In 2018, Tongzhiying Dapingdiao was listed in the fifth batch of the intangible cultural heritage of Liaocheng City. By blending “traditional vocal techniques + contemporary themes + public participation,” the performances allow this cultural treasure to shine with renewed vitality.

 

Source: Shenxian County People’s Government