Intangible Heritage
The Living Pulse of Wu
More than just stones and water, Suzhou is defined by the whispers of opera and the touch of silk.
Kunqu Opera
Known as the 'Ancestor of Hundred Operas,' Kunqu originated in the Kunshan area of Suzhou and is one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera.
Kunqu is characterized by its gentle control of voice, delicate movements, and sophisticated literary scripts. It reached its peak during the Ming Dynasty and was designated as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2001.
The most famous Kunqu masterpiece, The Peony Pavilion by Tang Xianzu, is deeply connected to the aesthetic of Suzhou’s classical gardens, where it was often performed in intimate settings.
Suzhou Embroidery
One of the four major styles of Chinese embroidery, Su Xiu is renowned for its delicate patterns, elegant colors, and incredible variety of stitches.
With a history of over 2,000 years, Suzhou embroidery is famous for its ‘double-sided embroidery’ where the patterns on both sides of a silk cloth are perfectly identical or even different but equally refined.
The art reflects the meticulous and patient spirit of Suzhou people. It often features motifs of gardens, kittens, and flowers, captured with such precision that they often resemble fine paintings.