'The Legend of White Snake' to tour 3 cities in France in Oct.

Members of the CNPOC perform a scene from The Legend of White Snake. Photo: Courtesy of the CNPOC

In October, the China National Peking Opera Company (CNPOC) will take Peking Opera The Legend of White Snake on tour to the French cities of Angers, Marseilles and Paris.

Based on the ancient legend, the Peking Opera version - written by Tian Han, one of China's most renowned playwrights and who helped write the lyrics to China's national anthem - is considered one of the most classic but difficult operas to perform. Peking opera master Yu Kuizhi, actor Jiang Qihu and actress Li Shengsu will play the three main characters, Monk Fa Hai, Xu Xian and the titular white snake Bai Suzhen.

"Western audiences will get a chance to learn about a different culture, in which snakes can be seen as kind, warmhearted and emotional figures," Yu said at a press on Wednesday in Beijing.

Representatives from the company said they are paying more attention to costumes in order to help better build a mysterious atmosphere for this magical legend.