Chu Hanqing makes up her face at backstage. [Photo by Liu Song/For Chongqing News]

In 2006, Sichuan Opera was approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage for its unique arias, exaggerated makeup, face-changing and fire-breathing techniques.

The art form has in recent times embarked on a path to prosperity and innovation after years of facing adversity. Adopting the slogan "revitalization from the children", and allowing the opera form to enter campuses and classrooms, opera practitioners have made it their priority to pass the art form onto the younger generation.