Me & City (Suzhou, China)

Art Museum of Suzhou Art Academy is a new museum opened recently. It locates in the east of Jinji Lake, SIP close to the Times Square. The background of AMSAA is Suzhou Art Academy so this museum mainly focuses on the art works from Suzhou local and peripheral artists. To some degree, the art works show and represent local art style. It’s really a good place to enjoy if you would like to feel something about local art.

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The museum will operate art works show(Chinese painting and Chinese calligraphy) periodically. A show of  The Masterpieces From The Ancient and Modern Famous Artists is held at present (Until the end of Oct.) to celebrate the opening of  AMSAA.   If you have time, rush for the day:)

Address:  Xinghu Street (Southern Square E-103)
Open Hours: 9:00 AM- 5:00PM
Admission: Free

Kunqu, also known as Kunqu opera is one of the oldest form of Chinese operas.  Originated in Kun Shan(a satellite town of Suzhou)  from the late of  Yuan dynasty about 600 years ago, Kunqu is recognized as the mother of a  hundred Chinese operas such as Jingju (Peking Opera).    And in May 18th, 2001,  Kunqu was added to the Intangible World Culture Heritage List  by UNESCO.

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Kunqu combines speaking, singing, dancing and some acrobatic accompanied by Chinese traditional musical instruments including Dizi (a bamboo flute), Sheng (a reed pipe wind instrument), Xiao (a vertical bamboo flute), Suona (a kind of horn), Sanxian and Pipa. Kunqu actors speak and sing the old dialact in Kun Shan. The singing and dancing style of Kunqu is slow, lyric and delicate. And the dancer’s posture matches the dancing so perfect that I feel really wordless to have you imagine the real feeling when you enjoy Kunqu.

Suzhou Kunqu Museum is the place where you can not only know about Kunqu from history to culture but also enjoy by  yourself. There is Kunqu performed every afternoon(Start at 2:00 PM )  on Sunday.   It usually contains three opera highlights that lasts about 100 minutes.  The ticket is 10 RMB and there is no need to book in advance. But I suggest you arrive early for a good seat place to enjoy.

Suzhou Kunqu Museum
No. 14  Zhong Zhang Jia Lane

Paper cutting is a traditional art worldwide. Chinese paper cutting was the first style developed in China, since Cai Lun invented paper in the region. Chinese paper cutting is marked with smooth and trim outlines, delicate and elegant   images and inn ovatitive and novel techniques.

A international paper cutting exhibition is held in Jia Ying Hui Hall recently.  Enjoy the paper cutting works of both Chinese traditional style and international style with me.

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I got the news from my friend that the annual Orchard Exhibition is held in the Garden of Surging Wave (Canglang) Pavilion this year, one of classical gardens in Suzhou. We spent a nice weekend afternoon enjoying the beautiful orchids.

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