Zhang Jiexing - Inheritor of Bai "Chuichui Qiang" Drama in Yunlong County, Dali 

? Zhang Jiexing (张杰兴): Guardian of Bai Ethnic Opera “Chuichuiqiang” (吹吹腔)

Mr. Zhang Jiexing (张杰兴), from Dada Village (大达村), Changxin Township (长新乡), Yunlong County (云龙县), Dali Prefecture (大理州), Yunnan Province (云南省), is a highly respected artist of Chuichuiqiang Opera (吹吹腔), a traditional Bai ethnic drama.

In 2025, he was officially recognized as a National Representative Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage (6th Batch), marking a new milestone in his lifelong dedication to this ancient art.

? Deep Roots in Family Tradition

• Birth & Early Years: Born in 1953 (or 1954), Zhang grew up in a family of Chuichuiqiang performers. Surrounded by opera from an early age, he began formal training at just five or six years old under his uncle Zhang Zhongxun (张仲勋) and other senior artists.

• Early Talent: Gifted and passionate, he performed on stage from a young age and by his twenties had already taken on leading roles.

• Comprehensive Mastery: Through decades of research and practice, he mastered all four major role types—Sheng (生, male), Dan (旦, female), Jing (净, painted face), and Chou (丑, comic)—excelling in both singing and acting.

• Signature Style: His voice is especially renowned for its bright, powerful, and soaring quality, making him a leading figure of the Southern School (南派) singing style.

? Preserving a “Living Fossil” of Bai Opera

Chuichuiqiang Opera (吹吹腔), also known as Suona Opera (唢呐戏), is a 500-year-old Bai ethnic theatrical form. Accompanied primarily by the suona (唢呐, a double-reed horn), it has been called the “Living Fossil of Bai Opera.”

• Unique Language & Lyrics: Its lyrics adopt the Bai ethnic poetic style known as “Shanhua-ti (山花体)”, characterized by vivid imagery and rhythmic phrasing.

• Representative Plays: Zhang’s performances in classics such as San Chu Shou (三出首)—where he plays the God of Wealth or Heavenly Official—and Zhan Luocheng (战罗成) are widely admired.

? Dedication to Transmission and Development

Zhang Jiexing has devoted his entire life to safeguarding and revitalizing Chuichuiqiang:

Leading the Troupe

Since 1980, he has served as the head of the Dada Chuichuiqiang Troupe (大达吹吹腔剧团, later also called Dada Arts Troupe). Under his leadership, the troupe expanded from just a handful of performers to over 60 members, forming a healthy generational structure of seniors, middle-aged, youth, and children.

Active Performances

• He organizes regular annual performances, both locally and across county, prefectural, and even national stages, often winning awards.

• Every Spring Festival, he leads grand village performances that attract tens of thousands of spectators, turning Dada Village into a vibrant cultural hub.

Cultivating Future Talent

• Beyond performing, Zhang is passionate about teaching younger generations.

• He integrates Chuichuiqiang into school programs at Dada Primary School (大达完全小学), personally instructing children and explaining the values of filial piety, kindness, and loyalty found in opera stories.

• His efforts have successfully nurtured multiple young performers and county-level inheritors, ensuring the continuity of this art form.

? Conclusion

Mr. Zhang Jiexing (张杰兴) is not only a masterful performer of Bai ethnic Chuichuiqiang Opera (吹吹腔) but also an inspiring leader, educator, and cultural guardian.

Through his artistry, teaching, and organizational vision, he has safeguarded this centuries-old tradition and guided it into a new era—making him a true torchbearer of China’s intangible cultural heritage.