2011-17 Tang Dynasty Show, Xian China
Hello All,
Late afternoon we departed Chongqing and flew to Xian, (pronounced: she-an) China. It is one of the oldest cities in China with more than 3,100 years of history including being the capital city for 12 imperial dynasties. It is the eastern terminus of the fabled Silk Road and is where the Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974. With all its history, it is a small city by Chinese standards, with a population of about 8 million. Xian was the capital of one of China’s most glorious dynasties--the Tang.
Music and dance had been a part of Chinese life long before the Tang Dynasty, but the peace and prosperity of the Tang period allowed musical performance to be refined to a fine art. Drums were used to accompany the era’s popular pipa--a lute-like instrument. Performers wore elaborate costumes while dancing and enacting traditional stories for the pleasure of the court. A sumptuous banquet was often laid out so that the audience could engage all the senses. It was an event to be savored.
Upon arrival and after checking into our hotel we hopped back on our tour bus which drove us to the theater where a Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show was being performed. The theater was simply spectacular! Here is a shot of the lobby walking in.
Late afternoon we departed Chongqing and flew to Xian, (pronounced: she-an) China. It is one of the oldest cities in China with more than 3,100 years of history including being the capital city for 12 imperial dynasties. It is the eastern terminus of the fabled Silk Road and is where the Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974. With all its history, it is a small city by Chinese standards, with a population of about 8 million. Xian was the capital of one of China’s most glorious dynasties--the Tang.
Music and dance had been a part of Chinese life long before the Tang Dynasty, but the peace and prosperity of the Tang period allowed musical performance to be refined to a fine art. Drums were used to accompany the era’s popular pipa--a lute-like instrument. Performers wore elaborate costumes while dancing and enacting traditional stories for the pleasure of the court. A sumptuous banquet was often laid out so that the audience could engage all the senses. It was an event to be savored.
Upon arrival and after checking into our hotel we hopped back on our tour bus which drove us to the theater where a Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show was being performed. The theater was simply spectacular! Here is a shot of the lobby walking in.
The show combined authentic
music and dance from the bygone era with elaborate costumes and splendid
choreography. It was complemented by a classical Chinese orchestra. Here are a
few shots of the pre-show musicians performing.
Dinner before the show was to
our liking and featured traditional Chinese imperial culinary:
Pearls of Cathay--Chicken in the chef’s special sauce with dumplings.
The Royal Marriage--Black mushroom consommé.
Heart of the Dragon--Deep-fried prawns with honey-glazed hazelnuts.
The Princess’s Pin--Beef tenderloin with garden vegetables and fried rice.
The Willow’s Melody--Taro and orange custard.
After Dinner Delight--A platter of assorted dim sum.
Ecstasy Herbal--Jasmine tea.
When the show commenced it simply blew us away. We love color and it did not disappoint. Costuming, lighting, choreography, and the music were spectacular. The graceful hand movements of the dancers were elegant and beautiful. This was a real highlight of our trip.
Pearls of Cathay--Chicken in the chef’s special sauce with dumplings.
The Royal Marriage--Black mushroom consommé.
Heart of the Dragon--Deep-fried prawns with honey-glazed hazelnuts.
The Princess’s Pin--Beef tenderloin with garden vegetables and fried rice.
The Willow’s Melody--Taro and orange custard.
After Dinner Delight--A platter of assorted dim sum.
Ecstasy Herbal--Jasmine tea.
When the show commenced it simply blew us away. We love color and it did not disappoint. Costuming, lighting, choreography, and the music were spectacular. The graceful hand movements of the dancers were elegant and beautiful. This was a real highlight of our trip.
There were way too many facets
of the show to try to mention them all in this little blurb. It went on for
close to two hours.
Here are a couple of shots of
mythical creatures for lack of a better word! Costuming and lighting were
spectacular.
This is a warrior fighting
them off.
Drums echoed with syncopated
rhythms while dancers were constantly moving with elegance, strength and
pageantry.
Long arm scarves were used in
graceful rhythmic motions. They were delightful to watch.
In addition to the orchestra
in the pit, an ensemble and other musicians mixed in onstage throughout the
performance.
This young man was a world renowned
player of the Chinese pan-flute. The music he produced was so enchanting it
made the hair on the back of your neck stand out. He was an awesome
talent--simply wonderful.
The Tang Dynasty Show was an
extremely enjoyable experience--one we will not forget for a very long time.
After getting back to the hotel we settled in for a good night’s sleep. The
next morning we were off to see the Terracotta Army, but more on that later.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns