Shajiabang
Shajiabang
Overview
Shajiabang, located in the Yangtze Delta region, is a historic water town renowned throughout China, largely due to its association with the revolutionary Peking Opera "Shajiabang".
The opera narrates the tale of a female member of the Communist Party of China. This story encapsulates themes of bravery and strategic resistance, which have contributed to Shajiabang's lasting significance as more than just a geographical location, but a symbol of cultural and historical resistance.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Peking Opera Shajiabang was adapted from a Huju Opera titled "Ludang Huozhong" or "Sparkles in the Reed Marshes".
Created in the 1950s, the Huju Opera was based on actual events during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). It tells the story of 36 soldiers seeking refuge in the reed marshes, with the local villagers playing a pivotal role in their survival by caring for them, concealing their whereabouts from Japanese officers, and ultimately aiding their return to the battlefield.
Conceived by playwright Wen Mu in 1958, this opera derived its narrative from a nonfiction book by Cui Zuofu. The narrative's transformation into a Peking Opera allowed it to reach a national audience, thereby establishing Shajiabang as a symbol of historical resistance and cooperative resilience.
Tourism and Economic Development
Tourism in Shajiabang began with China's opening-up in the 1980s. But transportation was underdeveloped and villagers had to row their boats to bring in visitors. It was in 2004, when a TV series based on the story of Shajiabang was made, that the water town became a well-established tourism spot, with a vintage-style teahouse, restored the village architecture and docks for boat rides.
Today, Shajiabang is a wetland park expanding across more than 400 hectares, and a tourism area featuring labyrinth-like waterways is surrounded by reed plants as tall as 3 meters. While many groups visit the area because of its revolutionary past and theatrical connection, some are attracted by the water and its products. In autumn, the area is especially popular with tourists eager to have a taste of the seasonal delicacy of crabs, because the area, being part of the Yangcheng Lake water region, is one of the most celebrated areas for hairy crabs.
Article reference1. Opera gives delta town a reason to be proud. chinadaily.com.cn. 2020Photo Gallery（1 picture）CategoriesCultural HeritageTagOpera and DramaHistorical and Cultural Town and VillageRelatedHuagu Opera Theater of Hunan ProvinceCatalogue1. Overview2. Historical and Cultural Significance3. Tourism and Economic Development-
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