Shezhou, Shaoxing|Chen Lijun’s hometown, explore the century-old birthplace of Yue Opera.
Explore the century-old birthplace of Yue Opera in Chen Lijun’s hometown, Shezhou, Shaoxing. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yue Opera. I learned about Yue Opera and its birthplace through watching "Traveling Around the World - Season 3, Episode 9 "Eighteen Farewells". Let's take a journey to explore the centuries-old Yue Opera.
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It is said that during the heyday of Yue Opera, every province except Qinghai had a Yue Opera troupe, which was remarkable for opera. Yue Opera was born in Shezhou, and it was Shanghai that made and promoted Yue Opera. The two cities have a bond spanning a century. If you come to Shezhou to experience the charm and style of Yue Opera, you must go to these three places, which are not far from each other and can be reached on foot.
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🌿【Shijiatuan Village】——The birthplace of women's Yue Opera
This is the birthplace of women's Yue Opera. Buildings related to Yue Opera include Liangchen Temple and Baguatai Gate. The ancient stage in the ancestral hall occasionally hosts Yue Opera performances. The two-story stage gate building next to it is where the women's Yue Opera dream began. There are some props from that time on display, which are incomparable to today's gorgeous stage makeup.
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🏛️【Yue Opera Museum】——Witness of the long-lasting Yue Opera
Walking into the Yue Opera Museum, it feels like traveling back to that glorious era. From the birth of Yue Opera, its popularity in Shanghai, to its current prosperity and development, there are detailed records here. There is also an interactive experience area in the museum. By putting on the costumes and picking up the sleeves, you can also become the protagonist on the stage and experience the charm of Yue Opera.
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🏡【Yue Opera Town】——The beginning of a life of drama and dreams
Not far from the museum is the Yue Opera Town. Well, there isn't much to do here. It was too hot in the summer so we just went in for a quick walk and left. If you are interested in Yue Opera, there are different performances every day in the ancient theater.
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🌈I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Shezhou. I really like this little treasure city. There are more than a hundred million places to play. Compared with the popular Xinchang next door, accommodation here is not expensive, and the Carbon Kingdom is not in vain.
Landscape: Siming Mountain, Shanxi River, Baizhang Waterfall
Humanities: Tang Poetry Road, Wang Xizhi's Hometown, Yue Opera Hometown
Ancient buildings: Chongren Ancient Town, Huatang Village, Shijiatuan Village
Food: Xiaolongbao, tofu rice cake, fried rice cake, squeezed noodles
Transportation: 2.5 hours by car in Shanghai, 1.5 hours by high-speed rail