Daniel Li,
I am writing to you to thank you very much for our wonderful trip to Xian. The tour that you organised was fantastic. Sorry for the delay in feedback. I thank you for all your prompt and quick replies to our needs and desires for the tour that we took on Feb 10, 2008. You are very professional and provided what we had requested. I enjoyed my tour of Xian - from start to finish. It was most comforting to have my tour guide meet me at the airport. Your tour guide - Ms Mary Ma is exceptional in both her English and her knowledge of her subject. She is to be congratulated.
I have no hesitation in recommending your company to other travellers.
Thank you once again.
Kind regards
Janet Hawke
USA
The Shadow Show is called Pi Ying in Chinese. The dramatis personae are controlled by actors, so it is also named "Shadow Puppet Show". The shadow show is an age-old popular folk art of China. About its headspring, there is a beautiful legend that Emperor Wudi (156-87B.C.) of the Western Han was depressed with the death of his favorite concubine Lady Li. To help him get over the sadness, an occultist sculptured a wooden figure in the likeness of the lady and projected its shadow on a curtain for the emperor to see, bringing him consolation with the belief that the shadow was her spirit. This is the naissance of the Shadow Puppet Show.
The Shadow Show has become very popular as early as the Song Dynasty (960-1279).In the 13th century the shadow spread to distant countries like Persia, Arabia and Turkey and later it was introduced into Southeastern Asian countries. In the mid-18th century, the show began to spread to Europe.
The Shadow Show is a very interesting performance, which is used the leather puppets and lamplight to perform behind a screen. The actors control them while singing with the traditional musical instruments accompanied. Its aria sounds very melodious and its performance enjoys vivid, lovely, amusing and fascinating. The show obtains materials from the ancient historical stories and folk legends. Sometimes the play can be quite dramatic when it comes to fairy tales or Kungfu stories, the "actor" may be made to ride on clouds or perform unusual feats. Maybe you do not understand the dialogs of the show whereas you also can get nice enjoyment by its wonderful plots and graceful music. Please remember take your camera! You can take photos both in front of the screen and in behind it. You can also see how the puppeteers do behind the screen. Do not miss the magical show!
Major House
The Shadow Show Add: No. 144, Huimin Street, Lianhu District, Xi'an City
The Shadow Show is a very interesting performance, which is used the leather puppets and lamplight to perform behind a screen. The actors control them while singing with the traditional musical instruments accompanied. Its aria sounds very melodious and its performance enjoys vivid, lovely, amusing and fascinating. The show obtains materials from the ancient historical stories and folk legends. Sometimes the play can be quite dramatic when it comes to fairy tales or Kungfu stories, the "actor" may be made to ride on clouds or perform unusual feats. Maybe you do not understand the dialogs of the show whereas you also can get nice enjoyment by its wonderful plots and graceful music. Please remember take your camera! You can take photos both in front of the screen and in behind it. You can also see how the puppeteers do behind the screen. Do not miss the magical show!
