Kun Opera - Symbols of Jiangsu Series

Kun Opera, also called Kunqiang, Kunshanqiang, or Kunju, originated from Kunshan, Jiangsu Province at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty. It was one of the traditional operas in China, characterized by the indigenous music, dance, and dialects of Kunshan, and is the oldest among the various traditional operas in China. Kun Opera is one of the three major ancient operas along with the Sanskrit Opera of Ancient India and the Tragicomedy in ancient Greece. It is a collection of essential ancient literature, music, stage performance, arts, etc. in China. It is gorgeous, glamorous, graceful, and elegant. It has been dubbed the 'orchid' in the garden of Chinese operas. On May 18, 2001, Kun Opera was named a 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity' by UNESCO.