A SHARED EVENING IN CHINA FROM LAST YEAR'S VISIT TO THE TANG DYNASTY CULTURAL SHOW IN XIAN CHINA
The Story Behind Xian China’s Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with it’s Totally Live Classical Chinese Orchestra
China’s Golden Age of the Tang Dynasty extended from 618 AD to 907 AD. During this period the Arts and Culture flourished, Calligraphy became an art form, theatre and ceramics were introduced and fashion and music flourished. Innovations such as gunpowder, and the printing press followed.
Today’s Xian, located in northwestern China, was the location of the Capital of China during most of the Tang Dynasty. Then known as Chang’an, it was the largest city in China. Economically it prospered as the terminus of the Silk Road trade route that extended all the way to the Roman Empire. Even today the city’s Muslim Quarter owes its origins to the Silk Road. The Silk Road was China’s connection to the rest of Asia and Europe until the time of the Ottoman Empire when trade by sea became more feasible.
Of note, the buried Terracotta Warriors discovered in the mid 1970s are in the vicinity of Xian and the Emperor they “served” was Qin, China’s first Emperor of a China that he unified. More recently intricate carriages that were buried at the time of Qin’s death in 210 BC to serve him in the after life have been discovered.
(On our travels to China in 2018, before COVID, we first viewed the Terracotta Warriors and on our post COVID return last year in 2024 we saw the carriages in their newly placed location where they were discovered adjacent to Qin’s elaborate tomb city with mercury rivers buried with him under a mound which has yet to be opened due in part to extensive booby traps that remain in place and are akin to those seen in Indiana Jones movies.)
China's only Female Emperor, Wu Zetian, ruled during the Tang Dynasty. Born in 624 AD she rose from a Concubine to Empress to finally Emperor from 690 to 705 AD.
In an effort to preserve the historical significance of Xian as an ancient capital of China and to commemorate the Tang Dynasty’s establishment of a golden age, the Shaanxi Provincial Song and Dance Troupe (now more commonly known as the Tang Dynasty Troupe) have since 1988 put on the “Music and Dance Dinner Show in Xian” otherwise known as the “Tang Dynasty Show.” The show and dinner are held in a specially constructed “Tang Dynasty Palace” locally known as “Tang Yue Gong.” It is claimed to be China’s premier cultural entertainment theatre restaurant.
(We were privileged to experience the show in both 2018 and 2024. The first time it focused more on the historical narrative relating to the story of China’s first and only female Emperor and more recently appeared to be a broader celebration of the Arts and Culture of the Tang Dynasty over an extended period of time.)
This cultural event and dinner offer the ultimate opportunity to experience Imperial Court life in the Tang Dynasty. The offered multi-course meal is patterned after a Court banquet and the performances mimic the entertainment of that past era in music and dance. Chinese Folk Dances, traditional instruments played by a live orchestra, and elaborate period correct costumes are featured. The choreography includes, in addition to dance, acrobatics and there are scenes where the performers are off the stage and into the space of the audience.
The show includes, as part of its narrative, the historical story of China’s only female Emperor, Wu Zetian.
The Tang Dynasty Show’s totally live classical Chinese Orchestra is a hallmark of the show. The Tang Dynasty Musicians not only provide accompaniment for the dancers and actors but also make their own appearances on the stage. One such time is when the panpipe master flutist Gao Ming performs “Oriole Singing in Spring,” a show highlight for many in the audience.
(In my provided Playlist I have made selections that include contributions by the orchestra’s musicians. The selections include the panpipe performance as well.
On a personal side note, in my filming of the orchestra as they exit their sideline orchestra pit to go on stage, an enchanting Chinese Lute player with her pear-shaped instrument in hand, makes eye contact. Then with a sly smile she offers a welcoming gesture to me the cameraman. It too can be seen in the Playlist.)
The artistry of the choreographed dancing, the spectacular period correct costumes, and amazing stage effects are also included in my Playlist selections. In addition to a laser light lit action scene, look for the magically appearing “Stairway to Heaven” that folds and envelopes into the wings of a bird after the female Emperor has ascended it.
Following below is a listing of the Playlist highlight selections from the Xian Tang Dynasty Show contained in my edited Playlist. Clicking the link to the Playlist should allow each to play in succession. (Otherwise click the subsequent link for “Play All” if the selections do not just begin playing.)
The Selected Highlights included in my Playlist from the Xian Tang Dynasty Show:
Tang Dynasty Court Dancers approach stage as Performance begins.
Accompanied musically by the live classical Chinese Orchestra positioned in the side orchestra pit, elaborately costumed in blue Tang Dynasty Court Dancers perform.
Playing with instruments that would have been available in the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty Musicians entertain from the side orchestra pit location.
The Tang Dynasty Musicians exit the side orchestra pit to go on stage. As they exit, an enchanting Chinese lute player (with her pear-shaped lute in hand) momentarily steps out of character to extend a gesture of friendship to me the photographer.
The Tang Dynasty Court Dancers reenter the stage from the audience with the Tang Dynasty Orchestra Musicians now on the stage
The Tang Dynasty Musicians appear on stage with Master Panpipe Flutist Gao Ming who plays a highlight panpipe flute solo.
The Tang Dynasty Dancers perform a popular Chinese Folk Dance known as the Feather Dance.
Clad in Yellow, Tang Dynasty Court Dancers perform in a closeup filmed scene.
The Yellow Clad Tang Dynasty Court Dancers are joined by the yet to become first and only female Emperor of China.
An action packed scene as male Tang Dynasty Court Dancers flash their lighted sabers which are then followed by laser light special effects.
Watch as the “Stairway to Heaven” magically appears before it folds into the wings of a bird that encompasses the entire stage once the now female Emperor has ascended it.
Enjoy the finale of the Xian China’s Tang Dynasty Show as the performers return to the stage for their final performance, the Master Flutist offers a final solo, and the live Classical Chinese Orchestra again play before appearing in the parting shots as they make their final exit.
LINK TO PLAYLIST CONTAINING THE ABOVE LISTED (AND EDITED FOR INTEREST) PORTIONS OF THE TANG DYNASTY CULTURAL SHOW WHICH SHOULD PLAY SEQUENTIALLY ONE AFTER ANOTHER:
Concurrently taken photos at the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show in Xian China:
The Chinese Lute Player in the Tang Dynasty Orchestra who Briefly Stepped Out of Character to offer me, the cameraman, a Sly Smile followed by a Welcoming Gesture:
Replicated Imperial Court Banquet Offerings from the Dinner Part of the Show:
And at the Conclusion of the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show Some of the Elaborately Costumed Performers Came out to Greet the Departing Guests:
And for good measure, here are photos taken earlier in the day at the site of the excavated Terracotta Warriors and at the site of the excavated carriages found adjacent to the mound containing Emperor Qin's buried city with its mercury rivers where he remains entombed:
One of the two chariots as first found when excavated:
The two found chariots restored:
The undisturbed burial mound under which China's first Emperor, Qin, is buried along with his after life city with its mercury rivers and selected individuals who accompanied him in death.
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From Last Month:
Long Life Follows Drinking from Japan’s “Fountain of Youth,” Kyoto’s Kyomizudera’s Otowa Waterfall
Link to Video of Japan's Fountain of Youth:
(Filming Credit to Extended Family Member Conrad)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OOZas_4o9No
Screenshots from the Video:
From Last Month:
Kyomizudera, Kyoto Japan’s Most Scenic Temple, Stuns with its Stage that Juts Out from It and Pagoda
Link to Video of Kyomizudera Temple in Kyoto Japan:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xZzlB0IkVAg
Concurrently taken photos of Kyomizudera Temple and its environs:
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May the TONGS be with you
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Alaska Wildflowers Wafting in the Wind to the Tune of Whimsical Adventures
Link to Video of Wildflowers in the Wind:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YP2KhKPVq3g
Concurrently taken photos:
Bird Watching in Alaska to the Music of Whimsical Dreams
Link to Video of Bird Watching to Music of Whimsical Dreams:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZZSf0kbcntM
Screenshot from Video:
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The Mackinaw Bridge, Michigan
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And now four further days later - almost fully in bloom:
VIEWS FROM TODAY AS SEEN LOOKIN OUT OVER ANHORAGE ALASKA'S COOK INLET
US Air Force Fighter Jet (F-22 Raptor) Descends from Arctic Mission to Music of”Let Me Down Slowly”
Link to Video of Descending US Air Force f-22 Raptor Fighter Jet:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7I2hVeWJyrQ
BELLOW - Alaska Seabird Soars Off as Alaska Railroad Train Approaches Along the Shores of Scenic Cook Inlet
Link to Video of Soaring Seabird followed by Approaching Train:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qSOHE_cjCr0
BELOW - Alaska Cook Inlet Panorama on a Spectacular Sunlit Day Prefaced by Alaska Railroad Train’s Arrival
Link to Video of Panorama View Prefaced by Train's Arrival:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iH7ZVKsfx-4
And here below is a landscape view of the US Air Force Fighter Jets above Cook Inlet on this beautiful sun filled day in Alaska:
Link to Video of US Air Force Fighter Jets Roaring and Rocketing Upward into the Stratosphere above Alaska Waters:
And here below is a landscape view of Cook Inlet with an Alaska Railroad Train Plying its Shores:
Link to Video of Alaska Railroad Train as it Roars and a Seabird Soars Along Cook Inlet’s Shores
Concurrently taken Photos from this beautiful sunny day looking out over Anchorage Alaska's Scenic Cook Inlet:
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I really like playing this board game. now Grandkids do too.
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From Yesterday Evening
Halloween comes early at Costco:
New Arrival at Costco:
Add two more days - Photos from yesterday evening:
Only two left to bloom:
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A SHARED EVENING IN CHINA FROM LAST YEAR'S VISIT TO THE TANG DYNASTY CULTURAL SHOW IN XIAN CHINA
The Story Behind Xian China’s Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with it’s Totally Live Classical Chinese Orchestra
China’s Golden Age of the Tang Dynasty extended from 618 AD to 907 AD. During this period the Arts and Culture flourished, Calligraphy became an art form, theatre and ceramics were introduced and fashion and music flourished. Innovations such as gunpowder, and the printing press followed.
Today’s Xian, located in northwestern China, was the location of the Capital of China during most of the Tang Dynasty. Then known as Chang’an, it was the largest city in China. Economically it prospered as the terminus of the Silk Road trade route that extended all the way to the Roman Empire. Even today the city’s Muslim Quarter owes its origins to the Silk Road. The Silk Road was China’s connection to the rest of Asia and Europe until the time of the Ottoman Empire when trade by sea became more feasible.
Of note, the buried Terracotta Warriors discovered in the mid 1970s are in the vicinity of Xian and the Emperor they “served” was Qin, China’s first Emperor of a China that he unified. More recently intricate carriages that were buried at the time of Qin’s death in 210 BC to serve him in the after life have been discovered.
(On our travels to China in 2018, before COVID, we first viewed the Terracotta Warriors and on our post COVID return last year in 2024 we saw the carriages in their newly placed location where they were discovered adjacent to Qin’s elaborate tomb city with mercury rivers buried with him under a mound which has yet to be opened due in part to extensive booby traps that remain in place and are akin to those seen in Indiana Jones movies.)
China's only Female Emperor, Wu Zetian, ruled during the Tang Dynasty. Born in 624 AD she rose from a Concubine to Empress to finally Emperor from 690 to 705 AD.
In an effort to preserve the historical significance of Xian as an ancient capital of China and to commemorate the Tang Dynasty’s establishment of a golden age, the Shaanxi Provincial Song and Dance Troupe (now more commonly known as the Tang Dynasty Troupe) have since 1988 put on the “Music and Dance Dinner Show in Xian” otherwise known as the “Tang Dynasty Show.” The show and dinner are held in a specially constructed “Tang Dynasty Palace” locally known as “Tang Yue Gong.” It is claimed to be China’s premier cultural entertainment theatre restaurant.
(We were privileged to experience the show in both 2018 and 2024. The first time it focused more on the historical narrative relating to the story of China’s first and only female Emperor and more recently appeared to be a broader celebration of the Arts and Culture of the Tang Dynasty over an extended period of time.)
This cultural event and dinner offer the ultimate opportunity to experience Imperial Court life in the Tang Dynasty. The offered multi-course meal is patterned after a Court banquet and the performances mimic the entertainment of that past era in music and dance. Chinese Folk Dances, traditional instruments played by a live orchestra, and elaborate period correct costumes are featured. The choreography includes, in addition to dance, acrobatics and there are scenes where the performers are off the stage and into the space of the audience.
The show includes, as part of its narrative, the historical story of China’s only female Emperor, Wu Zetian.
The Tang Dynasty Show’s totally live classical Chinese Orchestra is a hallmark of the show. The Tang Dynasty Musicians not only provide accompaniment for the dancers and actors but also make their own appearances on the stage. One such time is when the panpipe master flutist Gao Ming performs “Oriole Singing in Spring,” a show highlight for many in the audience.
(In my provided Playlist I have made selections that include contributions by the orchestra’s musicians. The selections include the panpipe performance as well.
On a personal side note, in my filming of the orchestra as they exit their sideline orchestra pit to go on stage, an enchanting Chinese Lute player with her pear-shaped instrument in hand, makes eye contact. Then with a sly smile she offers a welcoming gesture to me the cameraman. It too can be seen in the Playlist.)
The artistry of the choreographed dancing, the spectacular period correct costumes, and amazing stage effects are also included in my Playlist selections. In addition to a laser light lit action scene, look for the magically appearing “Stairway to Heaven” that folds and envelopes into the wings of a bird after the female Emperor has ascended it.
Following below is a listing of the Playlist highlight selections from the Xian Tang Dynasty Show contained in my edited Playlist. Clicking the link to the Playlist should allow each to play in succession. (Otherwise click the subsequent link for “Play All” if the selections do not just begin playing.)
The Selected Highlights included in my Playlist from the Xian Tang Dynasty Show:
Tang Dynasty Court Dancers approach stage as Performance begins.
Accompanied musically by the live classical Chinese Orchestra positioned in the side orchestra pit, elaborately costumed in blue Tang Dynasty Court Dancers perform.
Playing with instruments that would have been available in the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty Musicians entertain from the side orchestra pit location.
The Tang Dynasty Musicians exit the side orchestra pit to go on stage. As they exit, an enchanting Chinese lute player (with her pear-shaped lute in hand) momentarily steps out of character to extend a gesture of friendship to me the photographer.
The Tang Dynasty Court Dancers reenter the stage from the audience with the Tang Dynasty Orchestra Musicians now on the stage
The Tang Dynasty Musicians appear on stage with Master Panpipe Flutist Gao Ming who plays a highlight panpipe flute solo.
The Tang Dynasty Dancers perform a popular Chinese Folk Dance known as the Feather Dance.
Clad in Yellow, Tang Dynasty Court Dancers perform in a closeup filmed scene.
The Yellow Clad Tang Dynasty Court Dancers are joined by the yet to become first and only female Emperor of China.
An action packed scene as male Tang Dynasty Court Dancers flash their lighted sabers which are then followed by laser light special effects.
Watch as the “Stairway to Heaven” magically appears before it folds into the wings of a bird that encompasses the entire stage once the now female Emperor has ascended it.
Enjoy the finale of the Xian China’s Tang Dynasty Show as the performers return to the stage for their final performance, the Master Flutist offers a final solo, and the live Classical Chinese Orchestra again play before appearing in the parting shots as they make their final exit.
LINK TO PLAYLIST CONTAINING THE ABOVE LISTED (AND EDITED FOR INTEREST) PORTIONS OF THE TANG DYNASTY CULTURAL SHOW WHICH SHOULD PLAY SEQUENTIALLY ONE AFTER ANOTHER:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLtb5zi734BfZLzZj4-Jk0-JC7VnlDBCob
Concurrently taken photos at the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show in Xian China:
The Chinese Lute Player in the Tang Dynasty Orchestra who Briefly Stepped Out of Character to offer me, the cameraman, a Sly Smile followed by a Welcoming Gesture:
Replicated Imperial Court Banquet Offerings from the Dinner Part of the Show:
And at the Conclusion of the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show Some of the Elaborately Costumed Performers Came out to Greet the Departing Guests:
And for good measure, here are photos taken earlier in the day at the site of the excavated Terracotta Warriors and at the site of the excavated carriages found adjacent to the mound containing Emperor Qin's buried city with its mercury rivers where he remains entombed:
One of the two chariots as first found when excavated:
The two found chariots restored:
The undisturbed burial mound under which China's first Emperor, Qin, is buried along with his after life city with its mercury rivers and selected individuals who accompanied him in death.
Photos from Yesterday Evening: