China launched a digital project of performing arts Friday with dozens of award-winning plays released for free online as most of the theaters across the country remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the online visual feast, featuring diverse stage performances presented by renowned artists and art troupes, aims to enrich cultural lives and raise the spirits of those whose lives were impacted by the pandemic.

Audiences can take a virtual theater tour by watching the official videos of the performances on the ministry's portal website from Friday evening.

It features 22 critically acclaimed plays, which won China's top art awards such as Wenhua Awards and enjoy great popularity, according to the ministry.

The virtual repertoire covers a variety of categories, including operas, Peking operas, local operas, dramas, dance dramas, symphony concerts and traditional Chinese music concerts.

In addition to some Chinese household names, such as "The Eternal Wave," "Daughter of Dunhuang" and "Yimeng Mountain Range," it also includes a special presentation – an opera performed by artists from Wuhan – the hardest hit city in the country – to express their gratitude for the support from all walks of life in COVID-19 fight over the past four months.

Full-length videos of the performances are available free on the ministry website from May 15 through June 8.