A stage photo shows that Liu Sanjie sings a folk song while picking up tea leaves. [Photo by Tang Yanlan/chinadaily.com.cn]

The performance not only puts the sweet and feminine side of Guilin on stage but also shows the magnitude of its scenery and its profound folk song culture. Everything in the play, from its theme, artistic expression and music to presentation has been endowed with new vitality. When the familiar Guilin landscape and singing of Liu Sanjie were unveiled, the theatre burst into loud applause.

“What the story tries to convey is Liu Sanjie’s kindness, sincerity, diligence, and love for life. Not only should we bring the performance to a national audience, but also it is well worthy of being taken to the international stage to display the charm of Guilin culture,” said Zhao Leqin, director of the Standing Committee of the Guilin Municipal People’s Congress, after the performance.

Liu Sanjie sings with three xiucai, people who have passed the county-level ancient imperial examinations, or keju, in antiphonal style. [Photo by Tang Yanlan/chinadaily.com.cn]