While shadow puppetry is the latest Chinese item to make the UNESCO list, Kunqu Opera was the first to be inscribed onto it in 2001. Efforts to invigorate this ancient art have already been rewarded.
"As a living performing art, Kunqu Opera should be constantly developed with the changes in real life," said Dong Wei, Director of the Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture, at a meeting to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kunqu Opera's listing in Beijing in 2011.
With a history of over 600 years, Kunqu Opera is known as the mother of all operas in China. The opera sounds hauntingly graceful. It features good control of the voice and rhythm. When performed, the opera is accompanied by various kinds of traditional Chinese musical instruments. However, this ancient performing art was on the verge of extinction before 2001.