chinesegeography

 

 

Suzhou City in Jiangsu Province is famous for its classical gardens, the earliest of which was established in the sixth century BC. As the most prosperous region in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has over 200 gardens dating from those times (16th-18th centuries), and dozens of them are still perfectly preserved. Suzhou's classical gardens are integrated with residences and parks, created to bring the quiet of the countryside into the busy heart of the city. Typical of the classical private gardens are the Zhuozheng (Humble Administrator's) and Liuyuan (Lingering) gardens, and the Huanxiu Mountain Villa. In December 2000, UNESCO listed the Canglang (Surging Waves) Pavilion, Shizilin (Lion Grove), Yipu (Art) Garden, Ouyuan (Couple's) Garden and Tuisi (Seclusion and Meditation) Garden as the five scenic spots of prominent value and universal significance among Suzhou's ancient gardens in the World Heritage List.

 

 

 

 

Originating in East China's Jiangsu Province, Kunqu opera was the type of opera that had the most writers and works during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It features a unique tune system, with each play consisting of a set of tunes adapted from the verse style of classical Chinese literature. There is an abundance of plays with elegant, flowery lyrics. The performance of Kunqu opera, a highly comprehensive art form, combines singing and dancing, with spoken parts and movement. The history of Kunqu opera's growth represents the development of Chinese opera as a whole. As Kunqu opera has had a direct influence on the formation and development of many opera styles including Peking opera, it has gained a reputation as the "ancestor of a hundred operas" in China.