Yuntai Mountain's 'Daji' Performers Stir Controversy Over Cultural Interpretation
In recent weeks, the Chinese tourist attraction Yuntai Mountain has found itself in the midst of a social media storm due to the presence of live performers dressed as male and female versions of the ancient Chinese demoness Daji. The two performers, who interact with visitors in a manner that has been labeled as "special," have sparked heated debate on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

19 January 2024
The initial controversy began when the performers were criticized for dressing in "provocative" costumes and engaging in "inappropriate" physical contact with visitors, such as hand-holding and "air kisses." This prompted an apology from the performers, who claimed that they were simply trying to provide a unique experience for tourists.
However, this did not stop the criticism, as some people on Weibo began accusing the performers of being "low-class" and "vulgar," pointing out that the costumes and interactions were based on a popular Chinese television series rather than traditional Chinese culture.
In response to the criticism, the Yuntai Mountain Management Committee released a statement expressing their regret for causing offense and stating that the performers had been instructed to stop engaging in "inappropriate" behavior. They also clarified that the performers were not portraying Daji from the Chinese mythology but rather characters inspired by The Classic of Mountains and Seas.
Despite the management committee's apology, Weibo users continued to express their displeasure with the performances, with some stating that the performers had no right to represent Chinese culture and that their actions had tarnished the image of Yuntai Mountain. Others defended the performers, arguing that they were simply trying to create a fun and engaging experience for tourists.
As the controversy raged on, the performers eventually chose to leave Yuntai Mountain, citing the overwhelming negativity and harassment they had experienced. Their departure left many Weibo users questioning whether or not the criticism had been justified, and whether the performers had been targeted unfairly by those who disagreed with their interpretation of Chinese culture.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Yuntai Mountain "Daji" performers highlights the delicate balance between providing an entertaining experience for tourists and respecting traditional Chinese culture. While some may argue that the performers went too far in their efforts to create a unique experience, it is clear that the issue is far from black and white. As tourism continues to grow in China, it remains to be seen whether attractions like Yuntai Mountain will be able to find a way to strike the right balance between entertainment and cultural preservation.
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