Grand opera in small city

The melodious and rhythmic sounds of Peking Opera seem to never stop throughout the year in Linqing, a county-level city administered by Liaocheng city in East China's Shandong province. People of all ages, from the elderly to the young, can recite a few lines. Opera enthusiasts are widespread in both urban and rural areas. In addition to professional troupes, there are numerous organizations for opera amateurs, such as the Peking Opera Association and the Opera Fan Club. Peking Opera has integrated into the fabric of Linqing and become an indispensable part of the locals' lives. (Edited by Du Xiaping)

Peking Opera stage. [Photo by Xu Yanlin and Wang Yinchen for chinadaily.com.cn]

Fans spontaneously organize rehearsals and performances. [Photo by Xu Yanlin and Wang Yinchen for chinadaily.com.cn]