Liuzhou Museum

Liuzhou museum is located at the north-eastern corner of the city square. It contains local archaeological finds, minority artefacts, Zhuang bronze drums etc. Worth a visit. Very little in the way of English signs, but if you're lucky one of the English speaking guides might be on duty. Entrance is currently ¥15 for adults, ¥5 for students, but is set to be free from May 2009.

There are also occasional free special exhibitions on the first floor. More information here.

Liu San Jie

China's most famous film director, Zhang Yimou (Raise the Red Lantern, Red Sorgum etc.) is directing a musical on the theme of Liu San Jie, the legendary Liuzhou character.

The performances are being held daily at a specially built open air venue in Yangshuo, and the musical director is He Xuntian, the composer who works with Dadawa.

The production has a budget of 200 million yuan (US$24 million), is planned to run for years and is expected to become a major tourist attraction

18th August 2003

Liuzhou Song and Dance Troupe

Liuzhou Song and Dance Troupe seldom play Liuzhou as they are so in demand elsewhere, constantly touring China. They have also appeared in the US, Switzerland, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. Their one-night, invitation only performance on the 5th of November, during the stone festival, was their first home appearance since 2000. 

I thoroughly recommend going to see them if they are in town again while you are here. Book early though. They are very popular!

For more information, click on the picture.  DVD now available.

Here is a poem by Liu Zongyuan, which seems rather apt - especially the last two lines!.

FROM THE CITY-TOWER OF LIUZHOU TO MY FOUR FELLOW-OFFICIALS AT ZHANG, DING, FENG, AND LIAN DISTRICTS


At this lofty tower where the town ends, wilderness begins;
And our longing has as far to go as the ocean or the sky....
Hibiscus-flowers by the moat heave in a sudden wind, 
And vines along the wall are whipped with slanting rain. 
Nothing to see for three hundred miles but a blur of woods and mountain --
And the river's nine loops, twisting in our bowels.... 
This is where they have sent us, this land of tattooed people -- 
And not even letters, to keep us in touch with home.

A recording of the poem is available here.