CONSTRUCTING THE DAXIAN OPERA GUIDEBOOK IN PUYANG COUNTY HENAN, CHINA FOR PROMOTION

Abstract

Puyang Daxian Opera, an ancient multi-voice opera originating from the Tang Dynasty, represents a vital part of China’s intangible cultural heritage and a cultural treasure of Henan Province. Rooted in centuries of artistic development, its unique features—such as the extensive Qupai system, refined role classifications, and integrated band-singing performance style—demonstrated the deep connections between music, culture, and society. This research combined literature review, field investigations, interviews, and participatory observation to study the historical origins, artistic characteristics, and contemporary challenges of Daxian Opera. A Puyang Daxian Opera Guidebook was constructed to document its musical, performative, and cultural elements and was validated through expert review and public engagement, including an online lecture attended by 217 participants. The findings highlight the urgent need to protect this heritage from challenges such as declining audiences, aging performers, and insufficient transmission systems. Beyond the local context, the study emphasizes how Puyang Daxian Opera reflects global issues in cultural preservation, illustrating the universal struggle to safeguard traditional art forms in the face of modernization and globalization. By proposing strategies such as integrating opera heritage into education, cultural tourism, and digital media, this research contributes both to the revitalization of Puyang Daxian Opera and to broader global conversations about protecting and promoting intangible cultural heritage in the 21st century.