Nanjing is widely known as a historic and cultural tourist site. But does it stop over as a senile greybeard, earning his living just by the past? Join in the entertainment life of this city and you will see trendy and modern elements that have been well blended into its long and rich history. Follow TOC to have another charming look of this city.
"Do as the Romans Do"
Kunqu Opera
Kunqu Opera is one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese operas and is named after its birthplace, Kunshan in Jiangsu Province. It is a treasure as a traditional art especially as an operatic art in China. The period from mid Ming Dynasty to mid Qing Dynasty (1570-1800) witnessed its flourish and prosperity. In light of many other forms of operas are developed from it, it is reputed as "Mother Opera in China". With its profound foundation and rich heritage, it is the one with the most integrated performance system and reveals the crowning achievement of Chinese cultural art, playing a crucial role in Chinese history of literature, opera, music and dance. In 2001, it was selected by UNESCO to be included in the top list of the first batch "Human Beings Verbal and Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Work".
Kunqu Opera has its unique style and features, which mainly lie in prominence of lyrical qualities, subtle motions and an ingenious and harmonious combination of songs and dances. Librettos of Kunqu Opera are usually of high literariness, classic and florid, sometimes turn out to be beautiful and sad poems.
Jiangsu Kunqu Theater
Description: a quaint quadrangle dwelling. It provides commonweal performances every night of workdays and supports an online-booking service. Formal shows are staged on every Saturday at very low prices.
Address: No. 4, Chaotiangong Palace
Ticket Booking Tel: 025-84469284
Nightlife of Nanjing
Nanjing 1912
Nanjing 1912 is a blend of entertainment facilities, including bars, clubs, restaurants, teahouse etc., 
popular with the young and the trendy of the city. It is an architectural complex with the main color tone of steel grey and brick red, elegant with classic simplicity, neighboring the Presidential Palace, which is the former residence of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China. The year 1912 is the first year of the Republic of China, when Nanjing experienced the most prosperous and thriving time. Named after this year, this area recalls people a passage of splendid and sad memory of the city. At that time, Nanjing collected the top political personages and outstanding scholars. Communications between the east and west brought western features to mix with oriental buildings and the general mood of the society as well. Against such a setting, Nanjing 1912 takes with it historic spirits and nostalgic feelings, becoming a highlight of the cultural streets in Nanjing.
Location: conjunction of Changjiang Road and Taiping Bei Road
The university district--around Shanghai Road
Other best bars in Nanjing gather around universities, especially Nanjing University near Shanghai Road. Bars here are mainly western-styled to fill demands of foreign students. They provide drought beer and pub games such as pool and charts. In general, bars are crowded during the weekends and dancing performances are reserved for Friday and Saturday nights.
Jack’s Bar
Description: a popular meeting place offering refreshing beer and great sweet and sour chicken and the staffs are friendly, always willing to tell you about the latest hot spots in town.
Address: No. 164, Shanghai Road, opposite to Nanjing Xiyuan
Blowing in the wind (aka the Answer Bar)
Description: a bizarrely decorated bar where the best music talents can find their stage. At weekends, guest bands are invited over to enliven the nights.
Address: No. 13, Shanghai Road
Other recommendations:
Culture & Art Center
Address: No. 101, Changjiang Road
Youth Theater
Opening hours: 08:00-21:30
Address: No. 148, Zhongshan Bei Road
Tel: 025-83372492
Nanjing Apollo Hehai Grand Theater
Address: No. 1-3, Xikang Road, Drum Tower District
Tel: 025-86644505
Guosetianxiang Night Club
Address: No. 25, Ruijin Road, Baixia District
Tel: 025-84489367
Tianming Teahouse
Adress: No. 1, Dazhongting, Drum Tower District
Century 2000 Disco Bar
Address: No. 10, Lubeiting Xiang, Zhongshan Dong Road
Purple Rose Disco Bar
Address: No.88, Rehe Road
Xinjiekou International Cinema
Address: No. 18, Zhongshan Rroad, top floor of Deji Plaza
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
Tel: 025- 84797722; 84797700
Melody KTV
Address: Jinmao Plaza, No. 50, Hongwu Road, Xinjiekou
Tel: 025-84735588
Editor's Words:
Kunqu Opera is kind of traditional art that should not be missed. Every move and posture has a distinctive meaning; every word and expression is rich in verve. Come and enjoy its graceful beauty. I believe you will be captivated by it just in the same way as me!
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