Young performers stage local opera show in Southwest China(1/6)

Young performers present Xiaoyi Wanwanqiang opera, a national-level intangible cultural heritage item, during a showcase performance in Xiaoyi, Shanxi province. (Photo: Jiang Jianlin)

The showcase performance, titled "Inheriting Intangible Heritage, Showcasing Artistic Brilliance," was held recently in Xiaoyi, Shanxi province, featuring students from the Luliang City Art School's Xiaoyi Wanwanqiang opera training program.

Xiaoyi Wanwanqiang opera was inscribed on China's first list of national intangible cultural heritage items in 2006. The opera form gets its name from the wanwan (bowl-shaped copper bell) used as the primary accompanying percussion instrument, and is a rare local opera genre with distinctive characteristics.

Young performers present Xiaoyi Wanwanqiang opera, a national-level intangible cultural heritage item, during a showcase performance in Xiaoyi, Shanxi province. (Photo: Jiang Jianlin)

Young performers present Xiaoyi Wanwanqiang opera, a national-level intangible cultural heritage item, during a showcase performance in Xiaoyi, Shanxi province. (Photo: Jiang Jianlin)

Young performers present Xiaoyi Wanwanqiang opera, a national-level intangible cultural heritage item, during a showcase performance in Xiaoyi, Shanxi province. (Photo: Jiang Jianlin)

Young performers present Xiaoyi Wanwanqiang opera, a national-level intangible cultural heritage item, during a showcase performance in Xiaoyi, Shanxi province. (Photo: Jiang Jianlin)

Young performers present Xiaoyi Wanwanqiang opera, a national-level intangible cultural heritage item, during a showcase performance in Xiaoyi, Shanxi province. (Photo: Jiang Jianlin)