China
2026.03.04 16:39 GMT+8

Preserving Cantonese Opera through education and multimedia

Updated 2026.03.04 16:39 GMT+8
CGTN

Young Cantonese Opera enthusiasts perform at the Cantonese Opera Art Museum in Guangzhou on February 5, 2026. /VCG

Zeng Xiaomin (left) stars in "The Legend of the White Snake: Love" at the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Arts Centre on January 1, 2024. /VCG

A traditional Cantonese Opera performance takes place in Foshan, Guangdong, on January 10, 2026. /VCG

Zeng Xiaomin performs in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province on May 25, 2021, as part of her national Cantonese Opera tour. /VCG

For actress and director of the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Theatre Zeng Xiaomin, the future of Cantonese Opera lies especially in young people. As a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Zeng has long advocated for integrating traditional Chinese culture into formal education. She argues that heritage should move beyond extracurricular activities and into classrooms through systematic, professional instruction.

Innovation is also at the heart of her vision. The opera films she starred in, White Snake and Madam Xian, demonstrate the potential of combining technology with traditional performing arts. Inspired, Zeng has promoted projects using AI, multimedia and stage effects to rejuvenate Cantonese Opera.

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