An actress plays in Nu Fu Ma (Emperor's Female Son-in-Law), a classic Huangmei Opera drama. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Authorities in East China's Anhui province are making efforts to protect traditional operas that see decreasing audience and dwindling influence.

The provincial department of culture has worked out a plan to make the operas part of the province's cultural development scheme and promised ample financial support, an unidentified official with the department said on Saturday.

Anhui is home to 20 types of traditional operas, including the Huangmei Opera. According to the 2016 survey, the province boasts 33 state-owned opera troupes and 273 private ones. But in recent years, traditional operas are seeing decreasing audience as people have more choices in terms of cultural entertainment.

According to the plan, the operas will be placed in three categories, with the Huangmei Opera as the first category, the lesser-known but also prominent operas such as the Anhui Opera as the second one, and those small, disappearing operas with few or no troupes as the third. Each category will have their own specific development plans, according to official.

"The plan aims to create a batch of excellent opera plays and foster opera artists so as to help the exquisite arts survive and thrive," said the official.

A data base of these operas will be made, according the plan.

The development plans will be part of officials' annual assessment, and related funds will be included in the local government's financial budget.