Member takes Peking Opera to the kids

Zhou Li, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, stressed the importance of aesthetic education through traditional Chinese opera.

She is dedicated to the promotion of traditional Chinese opera and is also deputy director of the Chongqing Peking Opera Company. She believes that teenagers should be the primary focus of popularization.

"Taking Peking Opera as an example, traditional stage art can help children enhance aesthetic appreciation, while the stories, which emphasize traditional virtues, help cultivate their moral character," she explained.

Last year, Zhou and the troupe from the Chongqing Peking Opera Company organized 27 school outreach events, and held Peking Opera camps to give students the chance to immerse themselves in the art form.

She began learning Peking Opera when she was 10, and was initially drawn to the beautiful costumes worn by the performers.

With many years of practice, she discovered that Peking Opera had become her life's passion.

"As a woman, this performing art has helped me develop a resilient character," the 49-year-old said. "Even now, every time I step on the stage to perform, I still feel a surge of excitement."

She expressed her dedication to advancing the education and outreach of traditional Chinese opera this year. Committed to staying current and innovating within her role, she plans to interpret traditional operas to introduce more individuals to the beauty of the art form.