Hai Opera: National heritage

2011/08/05

Traditional Hai Opera popular in Funan county in the northwest of the province has been included on the latest list of national intangible cultural heritage.

Dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Hai Opera is derived from improvised folk songs sung by local craftsmen. Later, dances and speaking parts were added to the performances.

The opera's name comes from its lyrics that start with the exclamation "Hai!"

(Source: Chinanews.com)