China was once known as Shen Zhou—The Divine Land. This profound name describes a land where deities and mortals coexisted, and a belief that the divine transmitted a rich culture to the people of the Earth. The ancients sought harmony between Heaven, Earth, and humankind, and followed the course of nature.To get more china art news, you can visit shine news official website.

But in 1949 the Chinese Communist Party seized power. It saw this spiritual heritage as a threat and for decades tried to destroy these traditions. It nearly succeeded.

Then, in 2006, a group of Chinese artists came together in New York united by a mission: to revive authentic Chinese culture.

Today, we take a look at seven ways Shen Yun is renewing China’s divinely inspired civilization.At the heart of the Shen Yun performance is an incredible art form known as classical Chinese dance. With its inspiring flips and gentle elegance, it is one of the most athletic and expressive art forms in the world.

Built on traditional aesthetics, it was once passed down among the people, in imperial courts, and through ancient plays. Over thousands of years, it was constantly refined, eventually developing into the vast and distinctly Chinese dance form we know today.

China’s deep cultural traditions are contained in classical Chinese dance, allowing its movements to be richly expressive, such that the personalities and feelings of characters can be portrayed with unparalleled clarity. It is therefore capable of depicting scenes from any time period in a strikingly vivid way.

In China today, this dance form is regularly mixed with military or modern dance styles to the point that people don’t know what exactly they’re watching. Only Shen Yun performs classical Chinese dance in its purest form, preserving its traditional aesthetic the way it was originally passed down.

To learn more about the history and characteristics of classical Chinese dance, we recommend this article: “What is Classical Chinese Dance.”With its all-original orchestral compositions featuring Eastern and Western classical instruments, Shen Yun has opened up new horizons in the world of classical music, earning praise from award-winning musicians and critics alike.

Ancient Chinese instruments such as the plucked pipa and the soul-stirring erhu revive the melodies of China’s different dynasties, regions, and ethnic groups, while a full Western orchestra provides a foundation in harmony.

In ancient China, people believed that virtuous, elegant music had the power to heal. It could align one’s body and bring peace to the mind. Today, Shen Yun just uses classical composing methods and melodies.

Shen Yun also features traditional bel canto vocal performances. Ancient Chinese theater and early European opera shared the same singing technique. But the true technique for singing in the upper register has since been lost in both the East and West.

Shen Yun’s singers are uniquely trained to utilize this most traditional and classical technique on the modern stage.China is one of the most diverse countries on the planet having over 50 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own rich culture, characteristics, arts, attire, and traditional beliefs. Many of these groups have a proud history spanning thousands of years.

Shen Yun celebrates the vibrant spirit of China’s folk and ethnic culture on stage. With their vivid costumes, distinct rhythms, and unique dance styles, these folk and ethnic traditions provide a wonderful array of material from which to choreograph and compose. These dances whisk you away from snowcapped Himalayan peaks to the terraced hills of Yunnan province all the way to vast Mongolian plains.Stories give life to virtues that otherwise remain intangible, while history guides us by giving examples from the past. Much of China’s culture is carried in the colorful and rich stories that have been passed down through the ages.

Through story-based dances, Shen Yun dramatically portrays the most cherished stories of past and present. Their heroes embody the most exalted virtues of Chinese civilization, and convey morals still relevant in our day. Many have served as inspiration for generations, such as the tales of the heroine Mulan or the loyal general Yue Fei.

Stories, though, can also be altered and their meaning lost. This is unfortunately the case in China today, where China’s splendid past is often hidden, not taught in schools, and distorted to serve the needs of the ruling powers.

Based in New York, Shen Yun is free to create art that is true to China’s 5,000 years of civilization. As a result, it is bringing this culture back from the brink of extinction.

TI8 Shanghai Travel Guide

Where should you stay and eat? What should you check out besides the arena? How do you get around without speaking Mandarin?! Ok, don’t panic. We’ve got you covered for some of the basics.To get more news about Shanghai travel advice, you can visit shine news official website.

1: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VISA!
This is the number one tip for a good reason... China is no joke for travel, and you won’t just walk into the country without good preparation. First, check your country to see the requirement for getting an entry visa.

For U.S. citizens planning to visit China's mainland, you must apply for an entry visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General, which are located in 6 major US cities: Washington, DC, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

An appointment is not required for submitting your visa application, so you can just walk in during office hours. If you have all the necessary documents (application form, travel itinerary, airplane tickets, international tickets, financial proof) and a passport with at least six months validity and a blank page, it should take 4 business days for regular service, or 2-3 business days for express service. But definintely don’t wait until the last minute!
#2: How to get around in Shanghai
I highly recommend getting a pocket WIFI device that can be picked up at the Shanghai Pudong International airport (PVG) once you land, so you can have WIFI access during the visit. Download a VPN to access Google Maps and most of your usual sites, just in case you feel lost or need help.

Shanghai’s metro system is quite user friendly; it might be the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Just download the Shanghai Metro App (Android) (iOS). It’s also worthwhile to buy a Metro card - load around 50 to 100 RMB and you will be good to go.
#4: The Venue
Mercedes-Benz Arena, formerly known as the Shanghai World Expo Culture Center, hosted the opening ceremony for the Expo 2010. The indoor arena seats 18 000 people and there are restaurants/dining options available inside. As with all stadiums throughout history, the prices for anything will be higher inside.

The arena will have a security check before entering. Food, drinks, professional cameras, and lighters/explosives are not allowed into the venue, and there is no where to check a bag, so make sure to pack light.

You can leave the arena for food during matches, but make sure you don't have food or drinks when you are re-entering. Note that the time to enter the arena is not unlimited, so plan your breaks ahead. For more information, please check the arena’s site.

#5: Where to stay
Shanghai has many hotels, from International chains to local ones. You can choose base on your budget, but try pick a hotel either close to the arena or close to metro stops to make your trip convenient.

#6: Where to eat
Food options are limited inside or near the arena. There is a shopping mall called the River Mall which is about 14 minute walk from arena, where you can find numerous dining options.
#7: Communication
While you may find English signage and people who speak it, it’s not a bad idea to try out something like Google Lens on your phone for help translating. Just point your phone at Chinese text and Google will do its best to translate for you. Better safe than sorry, so queue up a few options if you’re lost or in a pickle.
#8: What to do outside the arena
After watching all the matches, you might be itching queue up for a few games of Dota. There are lot Internet cafés in Shanghai - just remember carry your passport with you, since you cannot play there without it.