Baoji Qinqiang Opera enchants UK audiences

Cai Weili, a celebrated Qinqiang Opera performer from Baoji, Shaanxi province, brought the traditional sounds of her art to the United Kingdom on May 25 in celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Invited to perform at the UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival in Salford Quays, Cai's performances received widespread acclaim, bridging cultural and linguistic divides through the universal language of music and art.

Before setting out on her journey, Cai faced concerns from friends about how her performance would be received by an audience unfamiliar with Qinqiang – a form of Chinese opera renowned for its strong Shaanxi flavor, ancient melodies, and elegant lyrics. Despite these uncertainties, Cai was determined to share her art with the world.