The live performance "Impression Lijiang" is one of the four musicals created by famous director Zhang Yimou.
"Impressions of Lijiang" - A chronicle of Naxi culture reinterpreted through the lens of art
As part of the famous "Impression" series directed by Zhang Yimou, "Impression Lijiang" was born after two years of painstaking research and production, with the desire to introduce and honor the unique culture of the Naxi people in Lijiang.
Impression Lijiang is a spectacular outdoor song and dance performance showcasing the traditions and lifestyles of local ethnic people.
Yunnan culture, especially Lijiang, possesses an extremely rich and unique cultural heritage, contributing to creating a strong attraction for tourists from all over.
The impression of Lijiang is always given to international tourists by its gentle, ancient beauty but also by its bustling modernity. The ancient streets imbued with historical colors, the flower parks blooming in all four seasons or the waterfalls flowing around the old town. Perhaps that is why many people who come here often carry with them their feelings about the land of Lijiang when they have to leave.
A warm, ancient Lijiang that everyone falls in love with
Choosing actors from local people was a revolutionary move, breaking the boundary between traditional art stage and real life.
The actors are local people, they live and are deeply attached to the land of Lijiang, understand the culture and customs of the Naxi people. Thanks to that, they can convey the most genuine emotions into each role, making the performances come alive and close to the audience. The people of Lijiang, with their authentic stories and life experiences, have become the main characters in each scene, giving the audience the most profound and authentic insight into their history, culture and traditions.
The actors are indigenous people, they live and are deeply attached to the land of Lijiang, understand the culture and customs of the Naxi people.
Selecting local actors helps create opportunities for Lijiang residents to participate in a major art project, contributing to improving their spiritual life and income. The play is also a bridge for local residents to introduce their culture to tourists, thereby promoting cultural exchange and promoting the image of Lijiang to the world.
"Impression Lijiang" blurs the line between traditional art stage and real life. The stage is where the people live, they are not only actors but also themselves.
The play seems to get closer to the real daily life of the people here.
Through every step of the production, from choosing actors to styling and rehearsing, all are aimed at the ultimate goal of conveying the spirit and emotions of Lijiang to the audience. The sincerity and simplicity from the hearts of the people of Lijiang have created an "Impression of Lijiang" that is not only an art performance but also a journey back to the soul and cultural heritage.
The author takes the ancient city and its people as the starting point to create a grand art program.
Profound human values to honor national culture
The plot of "Impressions of Lijiang" presents a profound, sad but also hopeful love story between a young man and a young woman of the Naxi ethnic group in Lijiang. They come from two poor families, living in a society heavy with power and traditional customs. Their love faces many challenges, from family opposition to pressure from the surrounding community, reflecting a typical image of life in remote areas of China.
The show's plot is about the deep and passionate love of a young couple.
In the story, power is expressed through the imposition and control of family and community over the private life of individuals. Customs add to the barrier as it is both a way of life and a difficult shackle to break. The couple must overcome obstacles not only physical but also deep cultural and spiritual barriers. The story continues through dance, song, and acting performances, each containing messages of love, perseverance, and belief in happiness.
The story is recreated through carefully selected folk songs and dances, which not only reflect the diverse cultural life of the Naxi people but also contribute to recreating the atmosphere and spirit of the Naxi people. Each dance step, each melody carries a story, a part of the history and tradition of the nation, conveyed through body language and music, opening up a rich cultural world for the audience.
Every beautiful aspect of Lijiang's culture is skillfully incorporated into the performance.
Viewers were overwhelmed by the investment in the program.
The liveliness in each scene helps the show retain viewers.
The outdoor performance space at the foot of the Jade Dragon Mountain Range is not only a natural setting, but also an important part of the play. The 13 snow-capped peaks create a majestic and dreamy image, reflecting the majesty and peaceful beauty of nature, while enhancing the aesthetic value and enhancing the emotions of the audience.
Choosing the foot of Jade Dragon Mountain as the setting was also the director's artistic intention.
The liveliness and authenticity in each performance comes not only from the skillful performance of the actors but also from the subtle and profound storytelling of director Zhang Yimou. The actors, though not professionals, portrayed the characters so naturally that the audience felt that each story, each dance and each song was happening right before their eyes.
"Impression Lijiang" is not just a simple entertainment show, but also a unique cultural experience, a journey back in time to explore the long history and culture of Lijiang and Yunnan.
