What is "sanqu"

Sanqu refers to a fixed-rhythm form of Classical Chinese poetry, or "literary song". Specifically sanqu is a subtype of the qu formal type of poetry. Sanqu was a notable Chinese poetic form, possibly beginning in the Jin dynasty (1115–1234); but, especially associated with the Yuan (1271–1368), Ming (1368–1644), and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. The tonal patterns modeled on tunes drawn from folk songs or other music.