Traditional-Modern Integration in Dali Tongzhou Bangzi: Pathways of Cultural Sustainability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2026.e292624Keywords:
Tongzhou Bangzi, Cultural Sustainability, Traditional-modern Integration, Shaanxi Opera, Intangible Cultural HeritageAbstract
Background and Aims: Dali Tongzhou Bangzi, often referred to as the “ancestor of Bangzi Opera,” is one of China’s most influential regional operatic traditions, rooted in Shaanxi Province. Despite its recognition as intangible cultural heritage, it now faces challenges from modernization, shifting cultural preferences, and declining audiences. However, systematic research on how Tongzhou Bangzi negotiates the balance between tradition and innovation remains limited, leaving a gap in understanding its sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the integration of traditional and modern elements in Dali Tongzhou Bangzi to identify pathways that support its cultural sustainability.
Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed, combining field observations and semi-structured interviews with two expert informants. Data collection took place in Dali County, the cultural center of Tongzhou Bangzi. Musical transcription and theoretical analysis, informed by cultural geography, ethnomusicology, and vocal theory, provided the basis for interpreting cultural and artistic significance.
Results: Findings reveal that Tongzhou Bangzi retains strong traditional foundations, including high-pitched vocal styles, dialectal expressions, banshi rhythmic structures, and classic repertoires. At the same time, modern innovations such as the creation of new operas addressing contemporary issues, outreach programs in schools and communities, and the use of stage technologies have revitalized audience interest. Integration of these elements generates cultural sustainability through pathways of retention, innovation, performance expansion, and technological enhancement.
Conclusion: The study concludes that sustainability in Tongzhou Bangzi arises from balancing tradition with modernity. Rather than opposing forces, preservation and innovation are complementary, offering a model for other regional operas facing similar challenges.
References
Allen, B. (2015). Vanishing into things: Knowledge in Chinese tradition. Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674286443
Anderson, J. (2021). Understanding cultural geography: Places and traces. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367814816
Boyu, Z. (2019). Applied ethnomusicology in China. In S. Pettan & J. T. Titon (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of applied ethnomusicology (pp. 254–270). Oxford University Press.
Chaika, O. (2024). Bridging the gap: Traditional vs. modern education (a value-based approach for multiculturalism). In Lifelong learning—Education for the future world. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.114068
Chen, Y., Suvimolstien, C., & Khochprasert, J. (2025). A study on the cultural connotations and heritage development of Nanfeng Nuo dance masks. International Journal of Sociologies and Anthropologies Science Reviews, 5(1), 853–864. https://doi.org/10.60027/ijsasr.2025.5485
Dai, Y. (2024). Integration of vocal technique and artistic expression in vocal art performances. Frontiers in Art Research, 6(2), 7–11. https://doi.org/10.25236/FAR.2024.060202
Das, P., & Bandyopadhyay, M. (2024). Visual narratives in music: Exploring Leonard Cohen's album art. Rupkatha Journal, 16(4), 2. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v16n4.11
Dixon, S. (2015). Digital performance: A history of new media in theater, dance, performance art, and installation. MIT Press.
Fu, Y. (2025). Philosophical reflections on the integrity and preservation of traditional music culture amid globalization. Cultura: International Journal of Philosophy of Culture and Axiology, 22(3), 416–441.
Gagné, N. V. (2019). Historical dictionary of modern and contemporary classical music. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Galeati, M. (2024). Harmonizing digital innovations with Western opera: A literature review of audience development strategies. IUL Research, 5(10), 213–237. https://doi.org/10.57568/iulresearch.v5i10.607
Jiayang, L., D. F. A., & Su, Y. (2024). Exploring the significance of traditional music in safeguarding and transmitting intangible cultural heritage: A case study of the Yunnan Bai ethnic group. Cultura: International Journal of Philosophy of Culture and Axiology, 21(3), 115–144.
Lai, M. (2023). The influences of Chinese opera in Chinese piano music (Doctoral dissertation). The University of Alabama.
Li, S. (2023). Conservation and revitalization of rural heritage: A case study of the mountainous traditional village. Advances in Applied Sociology, 13(12), 877–893. https://doi.org/10.4236/aasoci.2023.1312051
Mohyeddin, Z. (2024). Cultural identity in a globalized world: Navigating tradition and modernity. Frontiers in Humanities and Social Research, 1(3), 106–115.
Ni, Z., & Rattanachaiwong, N. (2025). The performance languages of Gaoqiang in Changde Han opera: Contemporary inheritance and transformation. International Journal of Sociologies and Anthropologies Science Reviews, 5(3), 863–874. https://doi.org/10.60027/ijsasr.2025.7334
Pan, Y. (2024). Strategies for the preservation and sustainable development of Huayin Laoqiang opera as urban intangible cultural heritage. Cultura: International Journal of Philosophy of Culture and Axiology, 21(2), 330–360.
Pérez-Seijo, S., & Silva-Rodríguez, A. (2024). Innovation in digital media beyond technology: The audience-centered approach and pending challenges. Journalism and Media, 5(1), 311–324. https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia5010021
Radice, T. (2024). Ritual performance in early Chinese thought: A dramaturgical perspective. Bloomsbury Publishing. https://doi.org/10.5040/9781350358997
Rolston, D. (2021). Inscribing Jingju/Peking opera: Textualization and performance, authorship and censorship of the “national drama” of China from the late Qing to the present (Vol. 12). Brill. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004463394
Semple, E. C. (2023). Influences of geographic environment: On the basis of Ratzel's system of anthropo-geography—Exploring human societies through geographic influences. Good Press.
Sun, F., Ye, C., & Feng, X. (2024). Fostering cultural innovation in the digital age: Unveiling the competitive edge of dialect group culture. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 15(3), 11724–11749. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-023-01534-z
Wang, W., Boonsrianan, P., & Chuangprakhon, S. (2025). Music literacy in the preservation of Inner Mongolian wedding folk songs. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 13(1), 104–111. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.13n.1p.104
Wang, Y., & Thotham, A. (2025). Ethnomusicological insights into the sociocultural dynamics of folk songs in southern Shaanxi, China. The Oriental Anthropologist, 25(1), 25–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/0972558X251314333
Waterman, E. (2019). Performance studies and critical improvisation studies in ethnomusicology: Understanding music and culture through situated practice. In S. Pettan & J. T. Titon (Eds.), Theory for ethnomusicology (pp. 141–175). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315408583-7
Wenyan, X. (2025). Traditional oral training in the transmission of Cantonese opera. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 16(1), 32–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443927.2024.2440414
Yu, T., & Chuangprakhon, S. (2025). Promoting traditional music literacy: A case study of tuhu preservation through school education. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 13(1), 48–55. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.13n.1p.48
Yuan, L. (2019). The construction of national identity through the creation of the national singing method in China (Doctoral dissertation). University of Technology Sydney.
Zhang, G. (2022). Environment‐friendly vocal music ecological education: Sustainable development of vocal music education from the perspective of building. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022, Article 5168389. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5168389
Zhang, T., & Wei, W. C. (2025). A study on the historical origins and artistic characteristics of Shandong Bangzi. Research and Commentary on Humanities and Arts, 3(2), 22–24.
Zhang, Y. (2024). Cultural roots and artistic growth: Traditional elements and innovation in modern Yue opera productions. Studies in Art and Architecture, 3(1), 21–25. https://doi.org/10.56397/SAA.2024.03.03
Zhang, Y., Chaiyason, N., & Phimprajun, R. (2024). Musical literacy and education: A historical analysis of Huaibang opera development in Henan Province, China. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 12(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.12n.2p.101
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Interdisciplinary Academic and Research Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright on any article in the Interdisciplinary Academic and Research Journal is retained by the author(s) under the under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Permission to use text, content, images, etc. of publication. Any user to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles, crawl them for indexing, pass them as data to software, or use them for any other lawful purpose. But do not use it for commercial use or with the intent to benefit any business.
.png)
