Students take photos with Gaojia opera performers at Xiamen University of Technology on May 22, 2019. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

Gaojia opera, a traditional folk art in southern Fujian province, is becoming popular among universities and colleges in Xiamen, Fujian province, thanks to a series of activities carried out by the city to promote traditional culture among young people.

On May 22 this year, a Xiamen Gaojia opera troupe organized an activity at Xiamen University of Technology (XMUT) which drew many students from different majors.

"The activity really demonstrated for me the classical beauty of Gaojia opera," said Li Qiuyu, a student from the School of Economics and Management of XMUT.

Yi Jingxian, a student from XMUT's School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, also expressed excitement. "We college students must learn more about traditional Chinese dramas and discover the beauty of traditional Chinese culture and art." 

An actress shows a student the basic movements of Gaojia opera at Xiamen University of Technology on May 22, 2019. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

In addition to XMUT, the troupe also went to the College of Music at Jimei University.

"The opera needs young people to get interested if it is to survive the test of time. We are looking forward to seeing more and more young learn about Gaojia opera, come to the theatre and even learn to perform," said Chen Bingcong, an inheritor of Gaojia opera and member of the troupe.

The troupe also invited students to the theater of Gaojia opera to show them how things work behind the scenes.

According to Xiamen's publicity department, besides Gaojia opera, many other local art forms have been staged at different universities to arouse the interest of young people toward Chinese traditional culture.