| A staff of preparation working group for the Qinqing Opera Museum presents Qinqiang Opera facial makeup in Lanzhou, the capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province, September 13, 2007. Initiated by the local government, the museum is now collecting related materials nationwide. Qinqiang Opera, a popular local opera, has a long tradition in northwest China. It is popular in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, especially in Shaanxi where the ancient Qin Region covered. Its melodies were originated from the rural areas surrounding Xi'an, capital city of the Shaanxi province. In ancient times, when peasants did farm work, they had to shout to one another across the wide fields. Gradually, a series of songs were developed for them to communicate. (Xinhua) |
