Shaoxing Pinghu Tune

Shaoxing Pinghu Tune, also called 'Yuejun Nanci,' takes its name from its main melody. Said to have begun in the early Ming and matured in the early Qing, it spread through Shaoxing and nearby areas and is listed as a national ICH item.

A single performer sings and tells while playing the three-string sanxian, supported by two, four or six accompanists known as 'three-,' 'five-' or 'seven-grade.' Its elegant lyrics and graceful melodies give it strong literary and musical character.

With classic pieces such as 'Ganluo Ji' and 'Shuangzhu Feng,' it represents the refined wing of Shaoxing's folk arts; in recent years it has grown short of successors and is in need of safeguarding.