The White Snake IP is shining brightly again by achieving a perfect integration of tradition and modernity.
This year is the Year of the Snake, so the first Chinese theatrical character we bring here is the white snake. She is a one-thousand-year-old white snake spirit named Bai Suzhen, also known as Lady Bai (白娘子), the title character of the Legend of the White Snake.
The Legend of the White Snake is a well-known traditional story in China. The love between Lady Bai and Xu Xian has been passed down for more than 1,000 years and continues to influence people in modern times.
This love story has been interpreted into many art forms, covering almost all genres of traditional Chinese operas, including Peking Opera, Sichuan Opera, Cantonese Opera, Qin Opera, Kunqu Opera, Henan Opera, etc.
Each genre, based on its characteristics, presents this story with distinct styles and expressive techniques. For example, the Peking Opera version emphasizes civil and martial arts, with smooth and beautiful lyrics. The Sichuan Opera version places greater emphasis on martial arts, with unique skills such as face-changing interspersed in the play. Cantonese Opera’s version emphasizes emotional expression and is willing to innovate, to bring beautiful artistic enjoyment to the audience.
Popular Fields for Adapting the IP
Nowadays, the White Snake IP is shining brightly again by achieving a perfect integration of tradition and modernity through animated films, comedy sketches, and various cultural and creative products.
Animated films have become a popular field for adapting the White Snake IP. The White Snake animated film series launched by Light Chaser Animation Studios is the best among them. It was awarded the “Outstanding Feature Film” prize at the 19th Huabiao Film Awards.
The sketch stage also provided a new opportunity for the dissemination of the story. At the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, the sketch Borrowing Umbrella connected four types of Chinese traditional opera. It integrated comedic elements into the story, to provide the audience with a brand new sensory experience. The cultural and creative field is another important manifestation of the integration of tradition and modernity of the White Snake IP.
In recent years, various cultural and creative products of this IP have emerged. From exquisite figurines and accessories to creative stationery and household items, every product contains profound cultural connotations.
Written by Sha Liu, picture designed by Di Wang.
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