Grand Canal Theatre of Yangzhou puts on tea shows

The "Customs and Practices of the Grand Canal - Yangzhou Quyi Special Performances" were staged at the Grand Canal Theatre of Yangzhou on June 5.

It was the first show staged at the theatre this year in light of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Quyi is a general term for traditional Chinese storytelling and ballad-singing, often performed by one or several people and accompanied by a small ethnic musical ensemble. The art form plays a vital role in Chinese folk culture. Among the current 1,372 national-level intangible cultural heritage projects, 127 fall into thequyicategory.

The performance featured a variety of traditional storytelling acts, operas and short sketches themed around Yangzhou, many of which have attracted devoted viewers on the theatre's online platforms.

With a package price of 68 yuan ($10.17), audiences were also able to enjoy tea while watching the performances.

Chen Xi, a Yangzhou native, said she enjoyed eating dessert while watching the performances, adding that she would take her family here again.