Eastern China's Zhejiang province abounds in folk art from throughout history. Yongkang Gu Ci, a type of traditional storytelling that combines singing-and-talking with the accompaniment of a drum or a clapper, was once a very popular form of folk entertainment in the province. However, like many other folk art forms, Yongkang Gu Ci now also requires urgent attention in order to survive in a world of fast changing and highly integrated cultures.

Gu Ci, as an ancient art form, believed to have originated some 3000 years ago. In ancient times, it was the art of the blind, who made a living with it. Its "fundamental tune" derived from the combination of the melodious chanting of scholars' poems and the local folk songs.

There are actually many kinds of Gu Ci throughout China. The art form has undergone different paths of development in Northern and Southern China, with the scripts and performance styles varying greatly.

Yongkang Gu Ci is a branch that prospered in southern China's Zhejiang province. It appeared some 1000 years ago, and began to be popular during the 15th century. Combining the local dialect with classic Chinese language, Yongkang Gu Ci has its own unique features.

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