Zou Yinglong tells the story of a wise official called Zou Yinglong in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), who stands up to the foolish decision by other officials to start a war. Zou is imprisoned, but finally saves his country. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In order to introduce the opera to a younger audience, both Li and Wei have performed in primary and middle schools in Taining in recent years.

Li has opened a training program for 32 primary school students in the county, while Wei taught the vocal skills of the opera at different grades in the county's middle school.

The professional art troupe in the county has also taken to the videosharing platforms such as Douyin to livestream its performances in a bid to better connect with audiences.

"We need to enable the youth to feel charm of the opera. That is the only way to ensure the inheritance of Meilin opera in the near future," Wei said.