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Lost folk arts center to return and get upgrade

By Wang Yanfang: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, April 16, 2013

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In the minds of Beijing's older generations, the Tianqiao area is a folk arts center which holds much touristic allure due to its rich and vivacious style. The eruption of the Sino-Japanese War in 1937 destroyed its original prosperity, and now the government plans to revive Tianqiao and create a new performing zone there covering more than two square kilometers.

Tianqiao in today's Xicheng District means "Heavenly Bridge." The area owes its name to its white marble bridge the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912) had to cross for worshipping Heaven in the Temple of Heaven and paying tribute to the god Xiannong at the Xiannong Temple.

For hundreds of years, Chinese and Western cultures interacted and merged here, and many artists were produced. Therefore, the region was known as the Cradle of Beijing's Folk Arts. The people even used the word "kaleidoscope" to fully describe its rich content. Traditional magic tricks, crosstalk, Chinese instrumental music and acrobatics are considered to be very representative of the area.

In the old days, folk artists chose a vacant lot and performed while providing running commentary. Audiences optionally gathering around would pay for the performance according to their own free will; if they deemed it lacking quality, they could simply watch them. The region was truly a recreational center for citizens of that time.

The Tianqiao area, also the birthplace of Beijing Opera, was dotted with multiple theaters and teahouses, and brought forth many later masters of Beijing Opera. Many of the theaters and masters' homes have been preserved, a sight which will be used to now forge a historic cultural landscape display zone.

He Yi, an officer in charge of the industrial development of the new performing zone in Tianqiao region, explains their Tianqiao construction plan to a reporter from China.org.cn. [Photo/By Wang Yanfang]

There is still more to come. The Xicheng government plans to upgrade the former folk arts center. A national musical industry base has been ratified by the General Administration of Press and Publication of China to be set up here.

Many first-rate domestic art troupes such as the National Ballet of China are still based in the region, as are an additional 14 art performance venues. The construction of a new cultural center in Tianqiao combines performing headquarters, art performances, cultural exhibitions, leisure and tourism, and business.

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