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Chic . Explore . ThinkerTen

My Style ~ My Journey ~ My Inspiration

ChinaGansuTravel

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show – ‘Silk Road, Flower Rain’ 丝路花雨

by kumamonjeng July 13, 2018
written by kumamonjeng July 13, 2018
Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show –  ‘Silk Road, Flower Rain’  丝路花雨

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

If you are traveling to Silk Road China, one of the must do thing is seeing the Dunhuang Silk Road Show – ‘Silk Road, Flower Rain’ . The classic dance drama, hailed by many as China’s Swan Lake, has been performed in more than 40 countries since its debut in 1979.

Dunhuang Theater

The Dunhuang theater is very huge and charming venue. I am very impressed with the stunning theatre, look very new but very traditional art in the architecture.  There are few theatres located here.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Wood Carved Masterpiece

Once you entered the theater, you will notice the whole hall is surrounded with white color marble and a huge wood carved masterpiece. The wood carved masterpiece is very large which cover the whole wall and you won’t be able to miss it when you enter. It is located at the front of the entrance door. The wooden wall depicting many “Flying Apsaras” or fetian/飞天 and also Magao Cave if you go look closer.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Auction of calligraphy

The show took about 1.5 hour but I can tell you won’t feel a minutes bored. The chairs are comfortable and new and there were many Japanese tourists too. Before the show started, there was an auction of painting and calligraphy going on for a local famous artist.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Summary of Story Background for Silk Road Show

The story feature a female lead character called Yingniang who is captured by bandits and rescued by Yunis, a Persian trader. After reuniting with her father Zhang (Male Lead), the painter, she inspired his paintings in the grottos of Dunhuang with a dance and by playing a pipa (music instrument) behind her head. Yingniang and Yunis flee to Persia to escape the city’s evil mayor, and Zhang was forced to paint the famous frescos of the Dunhuang grottos until his death. At the end, the governor punishes the corrupt mayor and celebrates international cooperation with guests from different nations along the Silk Road trading route.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Show consists of 8 Parts 

There are 8 parts of the show. Each part has a title. You get to see the unique culture of the Silk Road. You also get to see the Chinese and Persian friendship here.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Iconic Move : Pipa Instrument was played at the Back!

One of the iconic move of the female dancer is playing pipa behind her back. Please catch this dance move as this move can be found in any historical records. Many of the dance move are adopted from the art of  Buddhism, inspired from the mural paintings in Magao Grottoes.  This  particular movement comes from the fresco in Mogao cave called “fan tan pipa” is  considered one of the most beautiful, graceful, and challenging parts in all of Chinese dances.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

The Dunhuang grottoes are a Rosetta Stone of ancient dances

The stage, lighting and costumes of the dancer are just stunning. The paintings of the Dunhung Magao grottoes also come to life on stage.  In fact, many of the dance moves come from the paintings from Magao grottoes.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Zhang – The Painter, Male Lead Dancer

One of my favorite dancers, Zhang – the painter, also act Yingniang’s father.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Dazzles Dunhuang

There are few excellend lead roles here, Yingniang – no doubt since she is the lead female dancer.  Zhang, Yingniang’s father, also the painter, as I mentioned earlier.  The other interesting roles are the bandits & Mayor and Yunis.  I really enjoyed watching the bandits role dancer, he dance it so well and you can see his cunning and sly expression on his face.  Really entertaining.  Zhang, the painter is another great dancer, these days you don’t get to see so many great male dancer.

Yingniang – Female Lead Dancer

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

One and Half Hour Show

Our show started at 8.30 pm and finish at 10 pm.  By the time we came out from the theatre, it was already dark.  Check out the night view of the Dunhuang Theatre below.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

Final thoughts :

This is one of the must do show if you are thinking of doing Silk Road China, especially if you are in Dunhuang.  I am very sure you will get entertained by the colorful costumes and professional dance move. This was a meeting of styles and customs, where the Silk Road and Chinese cultures came together.

The price for the show aren’t cheap, I paid RMB 300 (~USD 45) for a ticket including transfer.

Silk Road China : Legend of Dunhuang Show - Flying Apsaras/Feitian 飞天

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ArtsChan BrothersCultureDancing Art of DunhuangDunhuangDunhuang showDunhuang theatreGansu ProvinceMagao CaveSilk RoadSilk Road Flower RainYingniang
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47 comments

cristinaleau July 13, 2018 - 10:40 am

I would like to sea this show in real life. I don’t think I ever saw something like this. It sounds and from the photos look amazing

Reply
kumamonjeng July 13, 2018 - 10:57 pm

Dear Cristine,
One of the thing or highlight to watch carefully is the Feitian/flying fairy, they played the “pipa” Chinese music instrument at their back, which is one of the iconic move. Imagine how can you played guitar at your back?? We don’t have such long hands.

Reply
Stephanie | Adventures in Aussieland July 13, 2018 - 11:12 am

Wow! This looks like it was an incredible show. Sometimes its worth spending a little extra money to see something absolutely incredible. The costumes looked so vibrant and interesting.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 13, 2018 - 10:48 pm

Dear Stephanie,

Dunhuang Legend show did perform in other part of the world but I guess I would prefer to watch it here since I am in Dunhuang and was on the Silk Road journey.

Reply
The Coffee Mom (@Jessi_Sullivan) July 13, 2018 - 4:22 pm

This looks like such a wonderful and beautiful experience! I have always wanted to visit China, it looks like a lot of fun things to see!

Reply
kumamonjeng July 13, 2018 - 10:41 pm

Dear Jessi,

China is just an exotic destination which is packed full of new experiences. You get to see the very old and the very modern. Silk road China however show more of the traditional side of China. And any Silk Road traveller trip would not be completed without watching the “Legend of Dunhuang” show.

Reply
Holly Hood July 13, 2018 - 6:13 pm

This looks like a great show and I would love to see it.. I would love to visit China also.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 13, 2018 - 10:36 pm

Dear Holly,

The Dunhuang Show is one of the not to be missed show in Silk Road as it tells the story of ancient silk road. The performers are all very professional and world class.

Reply
Tara Pittman (@momknowsbest15) July 13, 2018 - 7:39 pm

I love all the colorful costumes. This looks like a show that I would like to watch.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 13, 2018 - 10:30 pm

Dear Tara,

Yes, I totally agree, the colorful costumes from the dancer are just simply stunning, especially the Fetian/flying fairy who played “pipa” chinese instrument at her back!

Reply
rukhmasajid July 13, 2018 - 11:08 pm

I absolutely love CHINA. Their people, events and style is just too good. If I ever got a chance to go there I’m definitely gonna hit the Silk Road as it seems so interesting and fun.

Thanks for sharing,
Rukh AZ.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 13, 2018 - 11:18 pm

Dear rukhmasajid,

Thanks for your comment. China has a lot to offer, their Impressive Ancient Heritage, Natural Wonders and Variety of Cuisine. Different part of China eat different food, for example people from the south eating rice as their main but people from the North of China eat noodles/bun -Chinese bread from flour.

Reply
Emma Riley July 14, 2018 - 2:32 am

I have never been in that place but it looks like a nice show to be watch and your story tells us to be there too!

Reply
Tara July 14, 2018 - 5:40 am

Your photos are amazing and really bring the show to life. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Claire July 14, 2018 - 2:43 pm

Great detailed guide! I didn’t make it here whilst I was in China so will definitely have to look into this! Thanks 🙂

Reply
Tara July 14, 2018 - 2:48 pm

Wow, this looks like such a great show! I’ve been been to China and would very much like to go there.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 15, 2018 - 1:11 pm

Dear Tara,
Thanks for your comment. The Silk Road show get performed in many places around the world. But Dunhuang is the origin of the making of this Silk Road show so I am very happy to be able to catch it here.

Reply
Ruth I. July 14, 2018 - 4:16 pm

Great photos! The event looks interesting! I am so curious about the calligraphy auction, id they sell everything?

Reply
kumamonjeng July 15, 2018 - 1:08 pm

Dear Ruth,

When I entered the theatre, the calligraphy auction had already started. Yes, all the artist work was sold out that night and the show started on time at 8.30pm.

Reply
Eat Well Explore Often July 14, 2018 - 7:10 pm

Looks like an awesome show! The costumes are so beautiful!

Reply
kumamonjeng July 15, 2018 - 1:06 pm

Dear Julie,
Thanks for your comment. It is certainly a colorful performance with mixture of Persian and Chinese culture. Really stunning!

Reply
Blonde Seeking Ambition July 14, 2018 - 8:27 pm

I am totally saving this for when I get to China! My husband is there frequently for work, and we’re planning to have me tag along sometime soon so we can do some exploring together.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 15, 2018 - 1:05 pm

Dear Blonde,
I hope you will enjoy your trip in China with your family.

Reply
Rosey July 15, 2018 - 1:20 am

Sometimes it’s okay to splurge a bit if it’s making great memories or doing something you really enjoy. I think this would be worth the price!

Reply
kumamonjeng July 15, 2018 - 1:03 pm

Dear Rosey,
I totally agree with you. When we are on the road, I guess we would just spend a little more as I don’t think I will make it back again.

Reply
Tiffany July 15, 2018 - 4:45 am

WOW!!! The architecture here is stunning and the show looks so amazing! I would definitely go here!!!

Reply
kumamonjeng July 15, 2018 - 1:01 pm

Dear Tiffany,

The Dunhuang Theatre is quite stunning as it was just so huge, the Silk Road show was so colorful and fun to watch.

Reply
IG:Suetanyamchorgh (@suetanyamchorgh) July 15, 2018 - 2:07 pm

Wow, how beautiful. It seems like such a wonderful experience. I would love to see the show in person.

Reply
Charli B July 15, 2018 - 3:52 pm

What an amazing looking show! The theatre is stunning too x

Reply
Angela Ricardo Bethea July 15, 2018 - 4:17 pm

That sounds interesting. I’d love to see this someday, 1.5 hour wont be a problem when you see such magnificent presentations.

Reply
Carrie Liu July 15, 2018 - 4:46 pm

I never got the chance to see Feitian when I was in Dunhuang. Looks like I missed a lot!

Reply
rochelle July 15, 2018 - 5:50 pm

The theatre and the costumes look beautiful! I bet it was more stunning in person.

Reply
Amy Liu Dong July 15, 2018 - 8:38 pm

This looks so super interesting to me! I’d love to see all that culture and theater come to life!

Reply
lavandamichelle July 15, 2018 - 10:41 pm

What a wonderful post! I’d love a chance to see this show. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

Reply
Tiffany Yong July 16, 2018 - 6:36 am

I’ve never heard of this show and story! It will be great to go read up more on this historical story and hopefully learn more about the events!

Reply
kumamonjeng July 17, 2018 - 11:08 pm

Dear Tiffany,
This show is marked as the China’s swan lake show, also a sample of China national dance drama. It is originated in Gansu Province and been played in more than 40 countries around the world, debut few decades ago!

Reply
Emily (@amummytoo) July 16, 2018 - 10:44 am

Wow such incredible colours and scenes and a wonderful selection of photographs. If and when I finally get to visit China, this will certainly be on my list.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 18, 2018 - 12:26 am

Dear Emily,

The choreography of the show of Dunhuang Silk Road Flower Rain was inspired from Dunhuang murals, Magao Cave (World Unesco Site) where Buddhist monks would paint beautiful pictures on the walls of caves in Dunhuang thousands years ago.

Reply
Kitty July 16, 2018 - 3:45 pm

Wow this show seems to be great… I would definitely love to visit this place… we are planning for China trip pretty soon

Reply
Mommy Peachy July 16, 2018 - 9:14 pm

I think I would enjoy watching the Silk Road show. The Dunhuang Theater looks like a great place to watch it.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 18, 2018 - 12:21 am

Dear Peachy,
Silk Road Show has generated huge influence on the history of dance in China, becoming a huge brand name in China and whole world. Watching it in the Dunhuang Theater is one of the thing you needed to do while on Silk Road tour.

Reply
Kiwi July 17, 2018 - 5:30 am

I am in complete awe. Loving the fashion, beauty and all of the details that goes into this show it looks like a beautiful experience.

Reply
kumamonjeng July 17, 2018 - 11:13 pm

Dear Kiwi,

An adaptation of “Silk Road, Flower rain” was presented at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 too!

Reply
Lyosha Varezhkina (@lyoshathegirl) July 17, 2018 - 10:38 am

oh wow! The whole looks so attractive and usual and definitely interesting! I wish I could see it with my own eyes

Reply
kumamonjeng July 17, 2018 - 11:11 pm

Dear Lyosha,
Thanks for your comment. The show was recorded by Shanhai World Jinisi as the Best dance Drama in China.

Reply
Claudia Krusch July 21, 2018 - 3:40 am

So pretty! Love the costumes! Would love to watch something like this!

Reply
kumamonjeng July 21, 2018 - 10:07 am

Dear Claudia,

One of the must see show in Silk Road China, the customes and dance move are world class. Beautiful choreographed and performed.

Reply

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