Recently, the large-scale geographical and cultural documentary “Listening along the Latitude” (Season 1) produced by www.cnr.cn premiered with a special focus on the inheritance and innovation of Haiyan Opera.

Each 20-minute episode of “Listening along the Latitude” (Season 1) airs on CCTV-10 on July 7. Centered on “auditory experience”, the documentary guides viewers into a world of unique mysterious cultures along the 30°N Latitude. This latitude traverses China’s heartland where diverse folk cultures are rich, including Haiyan Opera.

Originating in the late Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and flourishing in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Haiyan Opera gradually replaced the dominant northern Zaju opera in southern China, and became the foremost among “Top Four Vocal Genres” (Haiyan Opera, Yuyao Opera, Yiyang Opera and Kunshan Opera). With a history of over 700 years, it was documented in Shuyuan’s Miscellaneous Records by Lu Rong that Haiyan Opera was performed as early as between the years 1465 and 1487. From the year 1522 to 1799, Haiyan Opera spread to such cities as Huzhou, Wenzhou, Taizhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Songjiang, Beijing, and Yihuang in Jiangxi.

Now, Haiyan Opera Research Association and Traditional Opera & Quyi Artists Association of Haiyan are leading folk enthusiasts in safeguarding this cultural heritage under the guidance of Literary Federation of Haiyan.

The documentary showcases the charm of Haiyan Opera and explores diverse cultural stories along the 30°N. Each episode delves into local specific themes, history, and cultural phenomena deeply connected to our lives. Audiences can appreciate unique culture and know better its historical evolution.