Liu Qiang, a local traditional drama in Jimo, Shandong Province, is one of the national intangible cultural heritages.

During the Qianlong period, "Elbow Drum" was introduced to Jimo, and then merged with local folk tunes and yangko to form Liu Qiang, which was mainly spread in Jimo area, then became popular in Jiaodong area, and was introduced to Qingdao city. Liu Qiang has more than 20 traditional repertoires 120, more than 80 transplanted repertoires and more than 40 modern repertoires, and his performance style is fresh, simple, interesting and vivid.

During the Qianlong period, floods, droughts and insect pests occurred one after another in the west of Jimo, and many people left their homes and came to Jimo. Because it is difficult to beg, they sing in local minor when begging. The songs sung by the victims at that time spread to the folk "elbow drum" cavity. After it spread to Jimo, it merged with local folk tunes and yangko, forming a new cavity-Liu Qiang.

Cultural characteristics

Liu Qiang, accompanied by folk music, is divided into literary field and martial field.

Wenchang is composed of strings and wind music. The stringed instruments mainly include Hu Si, Erhu, Zhonghu, Pipa, Yueqin, Sanxian and dulcimer. Wind music includes sheng, suona and flute. Wind music is mainly used to play doors and qupai, which plays an excessive role and creates an atmosphere.

The main musical instruments in Wushu field are bronze drums, gongs, small gongs, hanging cymbals, small cymbals, dumb cymbals, chimes and drums, which are used for attacking accompaniment. Music scores and drums are mostly borrowed from Liu Zi and Peking Opera.

Liu Qiang's qupai includes singing qupai, string accompaniment qupai and percussion qupai, most of which are developed from local folk songs and minor tunes, and some of which are transplanted from other operas.