Segments from the "Impression Liu Sanjie" show became the most discussed topic on Weibo last weekend, according to Dawan News. This artistic performance takes place on the rivers and mountains of Guilin, Guangxi Province, China. The show's central figure, Liu Sanjie, is based on a legendary character from the folklore of the Zhuang ethnic group in Guangxi. The entire production incorporates cultural elements from the daily life, work, and customs of various ethnic minorities.

Each performance runs for 70 minutes. Certain scenes depict female artists dancing on a crescent moon prop and women changing clothes. Thousands of comments expressed disapproval of the female artists' costumes in these scenes, claiming the visual effect was offensive and made it appear as if the performers were nude. Viewers wrote on Weibo: "Even if Liu Sanjie came back to life, she would scold this show" and "This isn't folk art; this is vulgar."

Conversely, another viewpoint suggested that female artists performing in nude-colored costumes is normal and highlights a healthy beauty. Supporters argued: "Why are people so sensitive nowadays? I think it's very beautiful" and "Today's judgment is harsher than in feudal times."

The scene of young women changing clothes sparked controversy over the line between art and vulgarity. Photo: Weibo

In response to the controversy, a representative for the organizers stated that all performance content had been approved by relevant authorities. However, the organizers value audience feedback and will make adjustments to preserve artistic elements while respecting the viewer experience.

Each "Impression Liu Sanjie" show features over 600 artists. It is China's first large-scale live-action performance, debuting in 2004, and has since become a prominent cultural tourism destination in Guilin.

"Impression Liu Sanjie" is a cultural tourism destination. Photo: Weibo

The show's three directors are Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge, and Fan Yue, with Zhang Yimou serving as general director. They spent five years staging the production, revising it 109 times. Over 22 years, the organizers have presented more than 8,000 performances, welcoming approximately 20 million viewers.

Zhang Yimou, 76 years old, is known as the "National Master of Chinese Cinema" and has directed many internationally acclaimed works such as "Red Sorghum", "Ju Dou", "Hero", "To Live", and "House of Flying Daggers". Even in his seventies, he remains a name that draws audiences to theaters. Zhang Yimou also directed numerous spectacular events, including the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.