A Meihu Opera performance is staged at the Fangcaohu Farm Cultural Center in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Saturday. [Photo by Qin Feng/chinadaily.com.cn]

Elderly performers mixed with youthful ones to perform a Meihu Opera, whose lively music, witty lyrics, dances and songs won enthusiastic applause from the audience on Saturday in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The performance was staged at the Fangcaohu Farm's cultural center.

Meihu Opera or Mihu Opera, a folk opera closely related to Shaanxi's iconic Qinqiang Opera, was introduced to Xinjiang in the mid-19th century and gradually developed into a popular genre of traditional Chinese opera for locals. It was added to the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008.

Muhlisa Zayir and Sumayya Yasen, both fifth-graders at Fangcaohu Guandi Primary School, were particularly enthusiastic performers who stood out.

A Meihu Opera performance is staged at the Fangcaohu Farm Cultural Center in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Saturday. [Photo by Qin Feng/chinadaily.com.cn]

"We have been studying Meihu Opera for two years, and I really enjoy it. I can sing and dance and show my talents in these areas," said 10-year-old Zayir.

Zayir said dedicated teachers come to their school to teach the opera and provide opportunities to perform outside of school. She added that performing gives her a tremendous sense of honor.

Li Zhikai, the school principal, said, "Meihu Opera is an excellent way to cultivate children's interests and hobbies," adding that the school has established a Meihu Opera practice base, with 15 students joining the local troupe. Teachers provide free lessons every Friday.

Di Guangzhao, 68, a fifth-generation inheritor of Meihu Opera in Xinjiang, said the opera — a craft passed down from his ancestors — is a melody that evokes a long-lasting nostalgia for his hometown.

A Meihu Opera performance is staged at the Fangcaohu Farm Cultural Center in Wujiaqu, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Saturday. [Photo by Qin Feng/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Since Meihu Opera has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, I feel greater responsibility to inherit and promote it," he said.

Gao Feiyuan, head of the Meihu Opera troupe at Fangcaohu Farm, said the farm has provided several training courses in recent years to cultivate professional performers. The troupe now has 24 members in different age groups, with the oldest member being 75 years old and the youngest only 10.

"The involvement of young students gives me hope for the inheritance and promotion of this traditional art form," he said.

Mao Weihua contributed to this story.