Duan Qingfeng - Inheritor of  Bai "Dabenqu" Opera in Binchuan County, Dali 

Duan Fengqing (段风清), born in 1953, is a Bai ethnic artist and a provincial-level inheritor of Dabenqu (大本曲), a traditional Bai narrative singing art. He currently resides in Zashipeng Village (杂石棚村), Shanglun Village Office (上沦村公所), Jizu Mountain Town (鸡足山镇), Binchuan County (宾川县), Dali Prefecture (大理州).

He is a key inheritor of the Haidong-style (海东腔) Dabenqu tradition. In 1973, he apprenticed under Li Mingzhang (李明章), a renowned Bai artist from Haidong Township (海东乡). By 1981, Duan began performing independently in Binchuan (宾川) and started teaching disciples. His first student was Zhao Yanjin (赵彦金), the cultural station leader of Daying Township (大营乡), whom he accepted in 1982.

Together, the master and disciple became well-known performers, frequently invited to the Dali Prefecture Ethnic Arts Festival (大理州民族艺术节).

Transmission Lineage

• Apprenticeship (1973): Studied under Li Mingzhang (李明章) of Haidong Township (海东乡).

• Learning Period: Traveled and performed in Dali (大理), Eryuan (洱源), Xiangyun (祥云), and Binchuan (宾川), mastering the essence of Haidong-style singing.

• Independent Stage (1981): Began performing and teaching in Binchuan (宾川).

• Discipleship (1982): Accepted Zhao Yanjin (赵彦金) as a disciple.

Notably, Li Mingzhang’s official disciples include Yang Bin (杨斌, Haidong), Duan Fengqing (段风清, Binchuan), and Yang Xuezhi (杨学智, Eryuan)—confirming Duan’s place in this direct lineage.

Artistic Achievements and Performances

Artistic Skills

• Mastered the techniques of the Haidong-style (海东腔) Dabenqu.

• Proficient in both self-accompanied singing and narrative performance.

Performance Highlights

• Frequently performed in Bai communities, often combining singing and narration.

• Regularly invited to perform at the Dali Prefecture Ethnic Arts Festival (大理州民族艺术节).

• Performances have been well-received by both local audiences and cultural authorities.

Awards and Honors

• Recipient of multiple county- and prefecture-level awards for Dabenqu singing.

• Honored with personal recognition certificates for contributions to folk art preservation.

Contribution to Heritage Transmission

Teaching and Mentorship

• In 1982, Duan passed on the full body of knowledge he had acquired from Li Mingzhang to Zhao Yanjin (赵彦金).

• Together, the master and disciple performed widely, helping spread awareness of Dabenqu.

Expanding Influence

• Zhao Yanjin later became a prefecture-level inheritor of Bai Dabenqu.

• He was also appointed as a folk art instructor at the Ethnic and Folk Art Inheritance & Research Center of Dali University (大理大学).

• Zhao now serves as a council member of the Dali Prefecture Quyi (folk performance) Association.

Cultivating the Next Generation

• Under Duan’s mentorship, Zhao also trained many disciples, including Zhang Cunjian (张存俭), Zi Xia (字霞), Zhang Chunyun (张春云), Li Lianjun (李连军), Yang Congyi (杨从义), Yuan Yongzhong (袁永忠), Duan Jilin (段继林), Yang Shaolin (杨绍林), and Dong Xiuzhong (董秀忠).

Promoting Dabenqu in Society

• Through continuous community performances, Duan and his disciples expanded Dabenqu’s influence in Binchuan (宾川) and surrounding regions.

• Their efforts allowed more people to experience, appreciate, and preserve this unique Bai heritage.

Bai People’s Dabenqu – Cultural Background

Artistic Characteristics

• Definition: Dabenqu (大本曲) is a narrative folk singing tradition of the Bai people, performed in the Bai language but recorded in Chinese script.

• Performance Style: Traditionally performed by two people—one singing and narrating with a fan or handkerchief in hand, the other accompanying with a sanxian (三弦, three-stringed lute).

• Language Features: Lyrics are sung in Bai language, with narration often in Mandarin. Lyrics typically follow the “three-seven-one-five” Bai folk poetic structure.

• Singing Schools: Three main styles exist—Southern (南腔), Northern (北腔), and Haidong (海东腔). These form the established system of “Three Styles, Nine Rhythms, Eighteen Tunes” (三腔九板十八调).

Historical Significance

• Originated from Tang Dynasty (唐代) Buddhist narrative chants.

• Fully matured by the Ming Dynasty (明代).

• Flourished after the founding of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国).

• In June 2021, it was inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产代表性项目名录).

• Recognized as “the most developed minority narrative art form” in China.

Traditional Repertoire

Famous works include:

• The Story of King Bai (白王的故事)

• The Burning of the Pine Pavilion (火烧松明楼)

• The Butterfly Lovers (梁山伯与祝英台)

• The Longing Wife’s Cloud (望夫云)

• The Twin Nails Tale (双钉记)

• The Flowers of Shangguan (上关花)

• Plum Blossom (腊梅)

• The Blood-Stained Shirt (血汗衫)

Summary

Duan Fengqing (段风清) stands as a vital bridge in the transmission of Bai people’s Dabenqu. Through his artistry, teaching, and influence, he has ensured that this centuries-old tradition remains alive in Binchuan (宾川), Dali Prefecture (大理州) and continues to inspire new generations of performers and audiences.