#yangshuo

Capture stunning landscapes along Yangshuo's picturesque riverbanks.

If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.

-Unknown

In a small workshop in Yangshuo an elder still makes fans and wall scrolls the way his family has for generations. The structure of such a fan is simple - wooden ribs and thin paper - but the painted paper is the real skill. Artists use a few ink strokes to suggest the karst hills, mist and plants. His son left for the city to study and work, showing little interest in the trade. After struggling with the crowded job market, he returned and asked to learn the craft. He now trains under his father, practicing brush control and composition. They make and sell fans and wall scrolls together while preserving the painting techniques. The father hopes this will keep the family tradition alive.

Liu Sanjie’s story hails from the picturesque Guangxi region, where misty mountains, emerald rivers and vibrant rice terraces set the stage for her incredible journey. According to legend, Liu Sanjie lived during the Tang Dynasty, where she was known for her stunning voice and fearless spirit. Growing up in the idyllic landscapes of Guangxi, she soon became famous for her ability to speak through her songs, conveying deep messages of love, justice and freedom. She was not just a singer, but a voice for the oppressed - a woman who fought for the common people by using the power of her melodies.

Liu Sanjie’s songs were more than just beautiful melodies: they were a form of protest. Her lyrics carried profound messages, addressing societal inequality and challenging unfair practices. Her songs often focused on themes of love, fairness and liberation - resonating deeply with the ordinary people of Guangxi. Through these mountain songs, she became a cultural hero who empowered the voiceless and instilled hope in the hearts of the downtrodden. To this day, her folk songs remain a cornerstone of the region’s cultural identity, making her one of the most influential figures in Chinese folklore.

-Source: chinavistas.com

The stage show “Impression Liu Sanjie” is an open‑air spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou, performed on the Li River with the karst mountains as a natural backdrop on what is billed as one of the world’s largest outdoor theaters, featuring hundreds of local performers, dramatic lighting and water choreography.