Wu Lingyun (L) interacts with the audience during a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 2, 2024. Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12. In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspirations from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance.

Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin.

At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said. [Xinhua/Yang Chenguang]