The drum occupies a prominent place in Chinese culture. Though the exact origin of the Chinese drum is still subject to debate, ancient literatures show that it is about as old as Chinese history itself. The earliest documentation of its application in ancient China occurs in Oracle Inscriptions (Jiaguwen) of the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th century BC), that is, inscriptions carved on tortoise shells and animal bones.

As an old and wonderful form of art, the drum finds application in almost every aspect of Chinese social life, including sacrificial and worshiping ceremonies, farming, and warfare, and throughout the centuries it has been imbued with profound cultural implications.

The history of the popularization of the Chinese drum is also the history of its continuous borrowing and assimilation of other artistic forms and expressions. During the process, Chinese drum performance arts have undergone a lot of regional as well as ethnic variations. As a result, today they produce different visual impacts and bring to the viewers different senses of beauty

Some are masculine, giving off a sense of invincible might; some are more delicate with nimble and graceful dancing steps; and there are still others that possess both qualities. This rich array of artistic expressions from the Chinese drum culture gives full expression to the vitality of the Chinese nation.

Culture of Chinese Drum(II)

 "Chinese Drum Dance" Gaining A Global Reach.

The First Wave: Percussion Ensemble Hongyingshu

Founded in 1999, the percussion ensemble Hongyingshu, literally meaning "a bundle of red cherry blossoms," is the first Chinese percussion group composed exclusively of female percussionists. Red costumes, huge drums painted in red, and nimble movements of drumsticks characterize the group. Its artistic sensitivity and creativity in playing with the infinite possibilities of sound and rhythm has helped Hongyingshu gain a good reputation both at home and abroad.

The Second Wave: the Impression of Yunnan

The Impression of Yunnan, a grand song and dance performance of southwestern ethnic style choreographed and directed by Yang Liping -- a famous Chinese dancer who also starred in it --, has created a worldwide sensation since it was first staged in 2003 in Kunming of Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The performance derives from the real life of the local people, with almost all the performers from local rural areas.

The Third Wave: Is Chinese Drum to rock the world in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games?

The 2004 Athens Olympic Games has been widely acclaimed as a huge success, with a French news paper describing its opening ceremony as "a magical night." Then, what shape is the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic going to take? And what will China use to surprise the world?

The answers to these questions can be sought by looking at the history of the Chinese way of celebrating their prosperous and peaceful times, which is invariably associated with the hanging of red lanterns and playing of drums. It is a typical way for the Chinese to express their national feelings by beating drums

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