The Evolution and Literacy Transmission of Chuandong Zhu Qin in Chongqing Municipality, China

This study focuses on the evolution and literacy transmission of Chuandong Zhu Qin in Chongqing Municipality, China. It traces its origins back to Taoism’s influence before becoming a cultural legacy. During the early Qing Dynasty, Chuandong Zhu Qin performers used folk music in their storytelling, secularizing it. Government backing, particularly the formation of the Chengdu Quyi Team, was critical to its maintenance and extension, allowing cultural knowledge and literacy to be transmitted more effectively. Artists switched from seating to standing performances, which improved character depiction and enriched the instructional component. Chuandong Zhu Qin artists actively participated in revolutionary propaganda throughout the War of Resistance Against Japan, and following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, they developed new compositions honoring the party, revolution, and people. This educational dimension was critical in conveying Chuandong Zhu Qin’s cultural knowledge and literacy, ensuring their preservation. Chuandong Zhu Qin’s adaptation and persistence in changing cultural situations demonstrate its importance as a traditional art form. It continues to engage audiences, educate future generations, and enrich Chongqing’s cultural legacy.