Discover Guilin
People pose for a photo. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/guilin]
Liu Sanjie is the song fairy in the folklore of the Zhuang ethnic culture, and records of her date as far back as the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Her story has been spread widely and she has become a symbol of Guangxi culture.
"My mother devoted over 60 years to preserving Liu Sanjie culture, and I have spent 30 years, while my daughters began doing it at ages five and three. Three generations of our family honor this legacy," said He Yanyun, daughter of actress Huang Wanqiu and the second inheritor of Liu Sanjie culture.
Huang, who passed away in 2023, dedicated her life to promoting the legend of the iconic songstress through global performances and by training successors, including her daughter and granddaughters.
He also pointed out that overseas Chinese audiences are passionate about Liu Sanjie, especially in Singapore and Malaysia.
Her daughters Li Yueshan and Li Meishan are continuing the tradition with innovative adaptations involving musical theater and historic backgrounds.
The current Liu Sanjie show also features international performers and Guilin's oil tea tradition.
Pakistani student Syed Ghazan Shaheer Ul Haq fell in love with Liu Sanjie through the film adaptation.
