17. We stuff on a Dumpling Dinner, then enjoy the Tang Dynasty Opera


Xi'an - Tang Dynasty opera

Day 13

Dinner was a Dumpling Banquet at a fine restaurant. They served every kind of dumpling you can imagine -- 19 varieties. They were stuffed with spinach, pork, beef and other delectables. This was the first Chinese meal Virginia truly enjoyed. Bill sampled the Walnut dumplings and the beer, of course -- otherwise, he reserved room for the pizza he said he ordered for delivery at 11:00 PM.

Impressive entraance to the Tang Dynasty Dinner Theatre

After dinner, we went to the Tang Dynasty Dinner Theatre. We had very good seats -- on the side but right up front. It was like nothing we had seen before ... the costumes were very colorful ... the girls were very, very beautiful. It was so exciting!

Sentinels at the Tang Dynasty Dinner Theatre

Xi'an - Tang Dynasty opera

The Tang Dynasty Opera is a performance of Chang'an music and dances that originated in the Tang dynasty over a thousand years ago. It has been recreated according to historical accounts and ancient arts and relics discovered in Xi'an, capital of the empire throughout the Tang regime.

The show is performed by the Tang Dynasty Song & Dance Troupe, a branch of the Shaanxi Provincial Song & Dance Troupe. It has been treasured as a national art, fully reflecting the glory and richness of the Tang dynasty era. The show is comprised of several distinct musical scenes and dances.

Xi'an - Tang Dynasty opera

HUAQING PALACE is a typical piece of Tang court music. Various ancient Chinese musical instruments are used. It was originally performed at the HuaQing Palace, a Tang imperial palace located twenty miles east of Xi'an at the base of Mt. LiShan.

WHITE RAMIE CLOTH COSTUME DANCE was a popular folk dance during the Tang dynasty. The ramie cloth, popular in modern times, was discovered by the Chinese during the Jin dynasty. The dance, choreographed as a demonstration of this new fabric, depicts the flowing quality of the cloth.

BATTLING DANCE OF THE KING OF QIN is a triumphal dance created by Tang TaiZong, a Tang emperor renowned for building up the empire's military. King of Qin was his official title before he was crowned the Tang emperor. The weapons and flags are replicas of those used by his soldiers.

RED AND BLUE CAMELOT DANCE was a Tang court dance created by Yang GuiFei, the favorite concubine of the Tang emperor, Tang XuanZong. Yang GuiFei, renowned as one of the four most beautiful women in Chinese history, choreographed the dance to the emperor's memory of a dream.

Xi'an - Tang Dynasty opera

DA NUO DANCE is a sorcerer's dance which was originated in ancient China performed as early as the Zhou dynasty. Later, during the Han and Tang dynasties, it was performed in ceremonies for good luck and to dispel evil spirits and plagues.

QUI CI ZHE ZHI DANCE: Since ancient times, the unique Qui Ci civilization in northwestern Chinese was well known for its own cultural music and dances. During the period of the Tang dynasty, the ambassadors of Qui Ci would present annual performances to pay homage to Tang emperors. 

BUDDHA'S THEME: Buddhism was the most popular religious belief during the Tang dynasty. Buddha's Theme is a musical piece which expresses the philosophy of the religion. It is performed by the Tang dynasty Zhong Yan Ladies Band, using musical instruments from the Tang dynasty era.

A FARMER'S HOME is a solo traditionally sung by a woman. The lyrics are from a poem by Wang Wei, a famous Tang dynasty poet, also known as "the patriotic poet", which envisions the simple, yet happy life of a farmer.

Xi'an - Tang Dynasty opera

SPRING ORIOLES SONG is a musical piece that originated during the inauguration of Tang Emperor, Tang GaoZong. During the ceremony, a flock of orioles flew overhead. Impressed by this good luck sign, the emperor ordered his court musicians to compose music for the Pai Xiao, a three-thousand-year-old instrument, imitating the sound of the orioles. This music is performed by the executive producer, Gao Ming, internationally recognized as the premier performer of the Pai Xiao. 

GLORY OF THE SILK COUNTRY is a part extracted from the Chinese opera, The Silk Road Rainbow. This sensational musical opera, with songs, music and dances tells the story of the legendary silk road which, for hundreds of years, served as the main thoroughfare between China and the west. The scene depicts the Tang Emperor's approval and support.

On the way back to the hotel after the opera, our tour director told us to have our bags packed and outside our door by 8:30 AM and to assemble in the hotel lobby at 10:30 AM. Thank goodness! Today was a busy, busy day! Tomorrow promises to be a little more relaxed. 

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