Anshun brings 600-year-old Tunpu culture to wider audience

Dixi Opera performances are staged in scenic areas and commercial districts. [Photo/ddcpc website]

Eleven performers of Anshun's Dixi Opera brought the centuries-old cultural heritage of the city's Tunpu villages into the national spotlight at the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Night" showcase during the 9th China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo, which was held in Chongqing from Nov 6 to 10.

Back in Anshun, Southwest China's Guizhou province, Tunpu culture has moved beyond the confines of its historic villages. The city has established the "Youxi Courtyard", a space that introduces younger audiences to Tunpu culture through cultural creative products.

Meanwhile, the Nuo Carving Culture Museum offers educational programs. Together, these initiatives have created an approach to cultural outreach, allowing visitors to see, experience, learn about, and take home elements of Tunpu heritage.

Anshun is also developing a growing range of cultural creative products inspired by Tunpu traditions, with designs tailored to younger consumers. Traditional Nuo masks, once more than 30 centimeters long, have been reimagined as miniature keychains, fridge magnets and bag charms measuring just 3 to 5 centimeters.

Today, more than 100 Dixi troupes across Anshun regularly stage performances. Beyond traditional village settings, the art form is featured in scenic areas and commercial districts. Performances are adjusted to better suit the viewing habits of modern audiences.