Lijiang’s opera enthusiast Acun live with trowels and silk sleeves

Acun, whose real name is Cun Xinguang, leads a life that intertwines traditional craftsmanship with an extraordinary passion for opera. At 49, he is a skilled craftsman specializing in courtyard cobblestone paving, a district-level inheritor of Naxi traditional residential construction techniques.

Yet, there’s more to his story. Acun is also a devoted amateur opera performer, known for his graceful cross-dressed roles and melodious singing on stage. His dual identities—craftsman by day and opera performer by night—represent a fascinating fusion of tradition and artistry, creating a persona as unique as it is captivating.

A Childhood Dream of Opera

Acun’s love for opera began at the tender age of five or six. With no formal training, he relied on a simple tape recorder, tirelessly practicing by imitating recordings. Opera became his personal sanctuary, a dream he pursued in the quiet moments of his life.

Crafting Courtyards, Building Dreams

In 1996, Acun married and began learning the art of Naxi courtyard construction from his father-in-law, Yang Rukuan. Specializing in cobblestone paving for courtyards and patios, he quickly became known for his exquisite craftsmanship.

During Lijiang's tourism boom, Acun’s skills were in high demand, leading him to work on courtyards for homes, inns, and temples. On any given month, he would shuttle between seven or eight projects, shaping the character of Lijiang’s courtyards with his hands.

Keeping the Opera Dream Alive

Despite his busy work schedule, Acun never abandoned his passion for opera. Over time, his talent caught the attention of the local community, and he was often invited to perform at weddings and celebrations.

An unexpected opportunity arose when Acun was noticed by teachers from the Municipal Senior Citizens’ Opera Association, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to try Peking Opera. Eager to learn, he began studying this intricate art form, mimicking movements and gestures from DVDs.

His perseverance paid off. In 2010, Acun competed in the 10th “Heping Cup” National Peking Opera Amateur Competition Yunnan Qualifiers and won first prize with a stunning rendition of “The Drunken Beauty”. This achievement not only solidified his love for opera but also earned him recognition in the local opera community.

A Lifelong Passion

Now nearing fifty, Acun bears the marks of time on his face, but his passion for opera remains undiminished. Whether holding a trowel or donning flowing silk sleeves, he continues to bridge two seemingly disparate worlds: one grounded in tradition and craftsmanship, the other soaring with artistic expression.

Acun’s life is a testament to the beauty of pursuing one’s dreams, no matter the challenges. His story inspires us to find harmony in contrasts and to celebrate the artistry in every aspect of life.

In Lijiang, where history and culture intertwine, Acun is a living embodiment of the city’s spirit—a craftsman and artist, shaping courtyards by day and enchanting audiences by night.

Source: Mini Lijiang; Trans-editing by Mo Yingyi