Hit TV drama shines spotlight on Qinqiang opera

A hit television drama executive-produced by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou has topped prime-time ratings and sparked renewed interest nationwide in Qinqiang, a 600-year-old Chinese opera form that was once on the brink of obscurity.

Li Mei, the drama's chief opera consultant and president of the Shaanxi Opera Research Institute, recalled a successful performance in Paris, France in 2019. She said human emotions transcend borders and that foreign audiences are often more receptive to Chinese culture than many assume. She believes Qinqiang should be promoted with confidence, bringing its finest artistic traditions to audiences around the world.