Chinese President Xi Jinping has encouraged young artists to keep the traditional art of Peking Opera vibrant and relevant to the times.

Xi, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, shared this sentiment in a reply letter to young artists from China's National Peking Opera Company.

Peking Opera, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage dating back over 200 years, is a performance art incorporating singing, reciting, acting and martial arts.

He urged the artists to uphold virtue and artistic excellence, staying true to tradition while embracing innovation.

Xi extended his congratulatory greetings and warm regards to all the performers and staff of the company on its 70th anniversary.

Xi noted that since its founding, the company has delivered numerous classic performances and nurtured a rich pool of talented artists.

He expressed his hope that the company, at a new starting point, would continue to play a vital role in promoting the art form and contribute to the building of a culturally strong nation.

The company's young artists recently wrote to President Xi to share their efforts in passing down Peking Opera traditions. They pledged their dedication to advancing the art form and promoting China's rich cultural heritage.