Chinese Visual and Performing Arts

Peking Opera

• Peking Opera, also known as Beijing Opera, is a traditional Chinese art form that combines music, dance, and acrobatics.

  • It originated in the late 18th century and became popular in the Qing Dynasty.

• Peking Opera features four main elements: singing, dialogue, acting, and acrobatics.

• The performers wear elaborate costumes and makeup, and the stories are often based on Chinese history and mythology.

• Color symbolism is an important aspect of Peking Opera. Here are some of the most common color symbols and their meanings:

  • Red: symbolizes loyalty, courage, and bravery

  • Black: symbolizes honesty, integrity, and impartiality

  • White: symbolizes treachery, cunning, and deceit

  • Green: symbolizes violence, cruelty, and bravery

  • Yellow: symbolizes ambition, intelligence, and resourcefulness

• Some famous Peking Opera shows include:

  • "Farewell My Concubine": tells the story of a general who falls in love with a concubine and the tragic events that follow.

  • "The Legend of the White Snake": tells the story of a white snake spirit who falls in love with a mortal man and the obstacles they face.

  • "The Monkey King": tells the story of the Monkey King, a mischievous and powerful character from Chinese mythology.

  • "The Drunken Beauty": tells the story of a beautiful woman who becomes an alcoholic after being forced to marry a man she does not love.

Notable Chinese Actors

• Here are some notable Chinese actors and a brief description about them:

  1. Jackie Chan: Known for his martial arts skills and comedic timing, Jackie Chan has starred in over 150 films and is one of the most recognizable Chinese actors in the world.

  2. Donnie Yen: A martial artist and actor, Donnie Yen is best known for his role in the "Ip Man" film series, which tells the story of the Wing Chun master who trained Bruce Lee.

  3. Chow Yun-fat: A veteran actor with over 100 films to his name, Chow Yun-fat is known for his roles in action and crime films, as well as his collaborations with director John Woo.

  4. Zhang Ziyi: One of China's most famous actresses, Zhang Ziyi has starred in a number of international films, including "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."

  5. Liu Yifei: Also known as Crystal Liu, Liu Yifei is a popular actress and singer who gained international recognition for her role in the live-action adaptation of "Mulan."

  6. Andy Lau: A singer and actor, Andy Lau has won numerous awards for his performances in films such as "Infernal Affairs" and "A Simple Life."

  7. Tony Leung Chiu-wai: A critically acclaimed actor, Tony Leung Chiu-wai has won numerous awards for his performances in films such as "In the Mood for Love" and "Chungking Express."

  8. Fan Bingbing: A versatile actress and producer, Fan Bingbing has starred in a number of Chinese and international films, including "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and "I Am Not Madame Bovary."

Chinese Music and Painting

Traditional Chinese Music

• Traditional Chinese music has a history of more than 5000 years and is an important part of Chinese culture.

• It is characterized by its unique tonality, melody, and instruments.

• The most popular instruments used in traditional Chinese music include the erhu, pipa, guzheng, dizi, and suona.

  • Erhu: It is a two-stringed bowed instrument that is often referred to as the Chinese violin.

  • Pipa: It is a four-stringed plucked instrument that is similar to a lute.

  • Guzheng: It is a plucked zither with 21 or more strings.

  • Dizi: It is a bamboo flute that is often used in Chinese opera and folk music.

  • Suona: It is a double-reed wind instrument that is often used in Chinese weddings and festivals.

• Traditional Chinese music is often categorized into two types: classical music and folk music.

  • Classical music: This is often performed in court and is characterized by its refined and elegant style.

  • Folk music: It is more popular and is often performed at festivals and other social events.

• Traditional Chinese music has had a significant influence on modern Chinese music and has also been incorporated into Western music.

History of Traditional Chinese Paintings

• Traditional Chinese paintings have a long history that dates back to the Neolithic period, around 5000 years ago.

• The earliest Chinese paintings were found on pottery and bronze vessels, and they depicted animals, humans, and mythical creatures.

• During the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), landscape paintings became popular, and artists began to use ink and brush to create more detailed and realistic images.

• The Tang dynasty (618 - 907 CE) is considered the golden age of Chinese painting, and artists like Wu Daozi and Yan Liben created masterpieces that are still admired today.

• During the Song dynasty (960 - 1279 CE), literati painting emerged, which emphasized individual expression and personal style.

• The Yuan dynasty (1279 - 1368 CE) saw the rise of the "blue-and-green" style of painting, which used blue and green pigments to create vibrant landscapes and figures.

• The Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644 CE) was a period of great artistic achievement, and artists like Shen Zhou and Wen Zhengming created works that are still highly regarded today.

• Traditional Chinese painting techniques include ink wash painting, meticulous painting, and freehand brushwork.

• Chinese paintings often feature landscapes, flowers and birds, figures, and animals, and they are known for their use of symbolism and metaphor.

Street Art in Modern China

• Street art in modern China is a relatively new phenomenon that has gained popularity in recent years.

• It is a form of artistic expression that is often used to convey political and social messages.

• Street art in China is heavily influenced by the country's rich cultural heritage, as well as its rapidly changing urban landscape.

• Many street artists in China use their work to comment on issues such as pollution, urbanization, and social inequality.

• The Chinese government has a complicated relationship with street art, as it is often seen as a form of dissent and therefore subject to censorship and removal.

• Despite this, street art continues to thrive in China, with many artists finding ways to work around government restrictions and create meaningful and impactful pieces.

• Some of the most well-known street artists in China include DALeast, ROBBBB, and Hua Tunan.

• Street art in China is not limited to graffiti and murals, but also includes installations, performances, and other forms of public art.

• The rise of street art in China has helped to bring attention to important social and political issues, and has also helped to create a sense of community among artists and art enthusiasts.

Chinese Beauty Ideals and Pop Culture

Chinese Beauty Standards

• Chinese beauty standards have evolved over time and are influenced by various factors such as culture, history, and media.

• Pale skin is considered a symbol of beauty and wealth in China. Women often use skin whitening products to achieve a fair complexion.

• Double eyelids are also highly desired, and many women undergo cosmetic surgery to create them.

• A slim figure is preferred, and many Chinese women follow strict diets and exercise routines to maintain their weight.

• Long, straight hair is considered attractive, and many women use hair extensions or straightening treatments to achieve this look.

Chinese Fashion

• Chinese fashion has a rich history and is influenced by traditional clothing such as the qipao and hanfu.

• In recent years, Chinese fashion has become more modern and influenced by Western styles.

• Streetwear and athleisure are popular among young people in China.

• Chinese designers such as Guo Pei and Alexander Wang have gained international recognition for their fashion designs.

• Online shopping is a popular way to buy fashion in China, with platforms such as Taobao and T-mall dominating the market.

Popular Chinese Variety T.V. Shows

• "Keep Running" (奔跑吧兄弟) - A reality show where celebrities compete in various physical challenges.

• "Happy Camp" (快乐大本营) - A long-running variety show featuring games, interviews, and performances by celebrities.

• "The Great Challenge" (挑战者联盟) - A show where celebrities compete in extreme sports and challenges.

• "Singer" (歌手) - A singing competition featuring established singers and newcomers.

• "Day Day Up" (天天向上) - A talk show featuring celebrity guests and discussions on various topics.

• "Go Fighting!" (极限挑战) - A reality show where celebrities travel to different locations and complete challenges.

• "The Inn" (亲爱的客栈) - A show where celebrities run a guesthouse and interact with guests.

• "Ace vs Ace" (王牌对王牌) - A show where celebrities compete in games and challenges related to their professions.

Famous Chinese Singers

• Jay Chou - A Taiwanese singer-songwriter, rapper, and actor known for his fusion of Chinese and Western music styles.

• Faye Wong - A Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actress known for her unique voice and style, often referred to as the "diva of Asia".

• Eason Chan - A Hong Kong singer and actor known for his soulful ballads and pop hits.

• G.E.M. - A Chinese singer-songwriter and actress known for her powerful vocals and energetic performances.

• Han Hong - A Chinese singer and songwriter known for her powerful voice and contributions to charity work.

• JJ Lin - A Singaporean singer-songwriter known for his pop ballads and R&B hits.

• Li Ronghao - A Chinese singer-songwriter and producer known for his unique voice and fusion of different music genres.

• Teresa Teng - A Taiwanese singer known for her sweet voice and romantic ballads, often referred to as the "Queen of Chinese Pop".

• Wang Leehom - A Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter, actor, and producer known for his fusion of Chinese and Western music styles.

• Zhang Jie - A Chinese singer and songwriter known for his powerful vocals and contributions to the Chinese music industry.

Chinese Art and History

Chinese Poetry

• Chinese poetry is one of the oldest and richest poetic traditions in the world, dating back to the Shijing (Book of Songs) from the 11th to 7th centuries BCE.

• Chinese poetry is characterized by its use of tonal and rhythmic patterns, as well as its emphasis on symbolism and metaphor.

• The most famous form of Chinese poetry is the shi, which is a type of lyrical poem that often deals with themes of nature, love, and politics.

• Another important form of Chinese poetry is the ci, which is a type of lyric poetry that is set to music and often deals with themes of love and romance.

• Chinese poetry has had a profound influence on the literary traditions of East Asia, and has been translated into many different languages around the world.

• Some of the most famous Chinese poets include Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Wei, and Li Qingzhao.

  • Li Bai: also known as Li Po, is often considered to be the greatest Chinese poet of all time. His poetry is known for its vivid imagery and its celebration of nature and the joys of life.

  • Du Fu: It is another important Chinese poet, known for his political and social commentary. His poetry often deals with themes of war, poverty, and the struggles of everyday life.

  • Wang Wei: It is known for his landscape poetry, which often depicts the beauty of the natural world in a simple and understated way.

  • Li Qingzhao: It is one of the most famous female poets in Chinese history. Her poetry often deals with themes of love and loss, and is known for its emotional depth and sensitivity.

Famous Museums in China

• The Palace Museum - Located in Beijing, it is also known as the Forbidden City. It was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and now houses a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts.

• The National Museum of China - Also located in Beijing, it is one of the largest museums in the world. It showcases China's history and culture through its extensive collection of artifacts, including pottery, jade, and bronze.

• The Shanghai Museum - Located in Shanghai, it is known for its collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings.

• The Nanjing Museum - Located in Nanjing, it is one of the oldest museums in China. It has a collection of over 400,000 artifacts, including pottery, jade, and bronze.

• The Shaanxi History Museum - Located in Xi'an, it is known for its collection of artifacts from the Tang dynasty, including pottery figurines, bronze mirrors, and gold and silver objects.

• The Guangdong Museum - Located in Guangzhou, it showcases the history and culture of Guangdong province through its collection of artifacts, including pottery, jade, and bronze.

• The Hubei Provincial Museum - Located in Wuhan, it is known for its collection of artifacts from the Chu culture, including bronze vessels, jade objects, and lacquerware.

• The Henan Museum - Located in Zhengzhou, it has a collection of over 130,000 artifacts, including pottery, jade, and bronze. It is known for its collection of oracle bones, which are the earliest known form of Chinese writing.