Introduction to Yangzhou Pinghua

Yangzhou Pinghua, also known as Yangzhou Pingci, is an ancient Han folk art storytelling form based on Yangzhou dialect in Jiangsu, which is popular in central Jiangsu, northern Jiangsu, Nanjing, Zhenjiang and Shanghai. Yangzhou Pinghua began in the late Ming Dynasty, developed in the early Qing Dynasty and reached its peak in the middle of Qing Dynasty. Yangzhou Pinghua is famous for its meticulous description, rigorous structure, echoing from beginning to end, complex and orderly clues, rich plot details, distinctive characters and vivid and interesting language. On May 20th, 2006, Yangzhou Pinghua was approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.