Experience Chinese folklore in Gao's Family Compound in Xian

Article by Eric Xu

Located in west region of China, Xian which is the ancient capital of China now becomes a modern city. However, history still can be seen in every corner of the city, the 400-year-old Gao's family Compound is one of these relics.Among the major cities in China, Xian is a city famous for its completed ancient City Wall which is a must-see for every traveler who travels to Xian.

The center area surrounded by the 14 kilometers' long wall was formed in Tang Dynasty, about over 1000 years ago. Today it remains the center of Xian as well as the place where keeps the largest number of historical relics in Xian. Gao's Family Compound just suites in Beiyuanmen Street, the west part of this center area.

Walking on this bluestone-built street, you can not miss the Gao's Family Compound. The 4-meter high magnificent gate is rather eye-catching in this narrow pedestrian street. It is said by the local people that you can ride a horse through it without bending your head. Therefore, the gate is also named as "horse walking gate". Entering this compound, you are "blocked" by a dedicated caved stone wall, also named "shadow wall".

In ancient China, most of the affluent families had this kind of wall in their yard. Its main function is to prevent people passing by from looking into the situation in the courtyard. In addition, the camphor wood-caved screen can be seen around. This also reveals the master's intention to protect his own privacy from the public space. Being here, you can experience the immense folklore culture with typical Shaanxi local characteristics.

It takes quite a while for you to appreciated the nearly hundred of Paper Cut works are displayed here. Compared with the paper-cut custom in other regions, the Shaanxi paper-cut is bolder and rough, full of local color. There is one thing you shouldn't miss when you visit the Gao's Family Compound, i.e. the performance of Shadow Play.

Shaanxi Province is the birth place of shadow play. It has a history of more than 2,000 years. Shadow play is a play presented by casting shadows of puppets or actors on a screen. These shadow figures are exquisitely made. First, choose the superior skin of donkey or cattle. Put it into the water to soften it until it looks smooth and transparent. Now the actor, house, animals or scenery can be carved delicately and then you need to paint them in bright colors. When these figures are fully dry, paint them in Chinese wood oil.

The last step is to attach some fine thread to them and you can operate them by holding this. When the shadow play is performed, a light is usually set behind a white cloth. The artists stand behind the cloth to perform the figures as well as sing the lines while the audiences watch the performance with absorbing interests at the other side of the cloth. Xian Travel Guide : Gao's Family Compound is located at Lianhu District, close to the Drum Tower.

In order to better express the traditional Chinese culture to travelers, there are Chinese-speaking, English-speaking, French-speaking and Spanish-Speaking guides available. These guides will provide detailed introduction for travelers. When enjoying the Shadow Play, audiences can not only watch the performance but also see how the artists operate the shadow figures in backstage. The entrance fee for Gao's Family Compound is RMB15/Person.

Pingyao traditional chinese folklore music

Pingyao traditional chinese folklore street music (july 2006)

Video Rating: 4 / 5


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