In 1940s, Peter Goullart wrote about the Ancient Dongba Music. He thought it was "a carol of the universal life, unaffected by the conflicts in the incongruous human life.
The music is classical and ever-lasting. It is the music of the gods. It is the music of a peaceful, permanent and serene country." For many years, the Chinese people have been wondering why this elegant musical tradition can be preserved in such a remote place like Lijiang.
Equally incredible is that such an ethnical group with small number of people could pass this tradition of the Tang and Song dynasties as a part of their daily life. It not only belongs to the elites of the society but also the common people.
For thousands of years, the Naxi people have merged their ethnic musical elements and feelings into this classic tradition.
Enjoy a traditional music show in Lijiang
Several shows available daily, you might ask your tour guide to book tickets in advance.
Traditional Music Show of Xuanke
Naxi Orchestra playing Naxi music with traditional instruments. Performances are from 19h30 to 21h00 daily. It is the most famous show in Lijiang, the founder of the orchestra is Mr. Xuanke, an od gentlemen who has suffered a lot under the control of different governments in the history of China
He is in his 80-90 years old, no one knows his exact age, he still host the show, speaks good English, tell the audience some of the background knowledge of Dongba ancient music.
Sing and Dance show at Dongba Palace
A type of bar entertainment, two perforances on stage every day. The first show is from 19h00 to 19h40, traditional music orchestra presents a good performance of music and dance of Naxi ethnic, very few audiences because it is the dinner time.
The second show is hot dance. The place turns into a popular bar after 10pm, grils dressing up in traditional costumes of Naxi and Tibetan, present some enterntainment for this famous bar.