Amid the flowing movements of water sleeves, the youthful vigor of a new generation carrying on the legacy of Chinese cultural traditions is on full display. Through the melodic strains of Peking opera, the profound echoes of Chinese cultural heritage resonate across mountains and oceans, connecting past and present. From overseas Chinese returning to their roots to share their artistry to young performers sharing the stage in harmonious collaboration, the city of Qianshan in Anqing—known as the hometown of Peking opera master Cheng Changgeng—has recently witnessed the vibrant vitality of this traditional art flourishing among the new generation. In commemoration of the 235th anniversary of the Anhui opera troupes' entry into Beijing, Qianshan has meticulously organized a series of events, including the "Mount Tianzhu Cup" Young Peking Opera Amateur Competition, injecting powerful momentum into the preservation and promotion of Peking opera art. 

On a summer evening, as lanterns lit up the historic Xuehuli Lane in Qianshan, the air filled with the enchanting melodies of Peking opera. A total of 132 performances from 17 provinces and cities across China, as well as participants from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Canada, gathered to compete on the same stage. Classic arias were performed one after another, showcasing the enduring charm of this quintessential Chinese art form.

Yi Qianchen, a Chinese-Canadian teenager from Toronto, captivated the audience with her rendition of "The Drunken Beauty." Her clear, melodious vocals and nuanced interpretation were the fruits of years of persistent and diligent practice. For her, this was more than a competition; it was a profound cultural homecoming. "Peking opera's costumes and music are so beautiful. It's my first time participating in a competition in China, and I find it incredibly meaningful. It has also given me a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage behind Peking opera. I hope to promote Chinese culture everywhere in the future," Yi Qianchen expressed in her youthful voice, demonstrating a budding but conscious confidence in her Chinese cultural identity.

The stage also featured many other young talents. Luo Wanze from Huainan, just 10 years old, already has six years of traditional opera experience. Zhang Mi from Nantong, Jiangsu, participated for the second time with even greater confidence. Young performers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, including Hu Xinyuan, Wang Yuxuan, Ye Yuduo, and Xiong Tianyi, shared the spotlight. From the dynamic performance of "Raising Havoc in the Dragon Palace" to the poignant melodies of "Silang Visits His Mother," these young artists measured the profound depth of Peking opera with their budding skills and conveyed their immense passion for this quintessential Chinese art form through their clear, resonant voices.

Cheng Rong, a professor at Beijing Vocational College of Opera and Arts and descendant of a Kunqu opera family, exclaimed in admiration, "It's astonishing how well these children performed. Their stage movements, stage presence, technical precision, and vocal skills are all outstanding." Wang Runjing, a National First-Class Performer of China National Peking Opera Company and renowned Zhang School artist, remarked with emotion, "Traditional art needs the participation of numerous young people. The enthusiasm of these children gives us hope for the inheritance and development of Peking Opera."

The competition was not merely a contest of skill, but also a cultural homecoming and an interaction of ideas. As the hometown of Cheng Changgeng, revered as the "founding father of Peking Opera," Qianshan is steeped in a profound operatic heritage. Two hundred and thirty-five years ago, Cheng Changgeng, leader of the Anhui opera troupes, brought the elegance and spirit of Anhui's landscapes to Beijing, ultimately nurturing the birth of Peking Opera, a quintessential Chinese art form. Today, Qianshan is dedicated to building the Cheng Changgeng cultural IP and exploring the contemporary value of his artistic spirit. Song Xiaochuan, Deputy Director of the Performance Center at China National Peking Opera Company and a renowned Ye School artist, stated, "This is the hometown of Master Cheng Changgeng, a must-visit place for opera practitioners. We should develop this landmark effectively, turning it into a cultural brand and a popular destination."

To promote the integrated development of opera culture and tourism, Qianshan City meticulously designed special study tour activities during the event. These allowed the young participants to immerse themselves in the landscapes and culture that nurtured the origins of this national art form through an innovative model combining "competition observation + study tours + hands-on experience." Professor Tong Hang from Shanghai Theatre Academy proposed a forward-looking concept: "We could connect the cultural landscapes and historical sites along the Yangtze River in Anqing to create a 'Peking Opera Route.' This would allow people to understand its lineage and appreciate its aesthetics through exploration, potentially developing this event into a new cultural brand for Anhui."

Source: anhuinews.com