A poster promotes the new Xincheng opera Sa Xia Yi Mi Yang Guang. It was premiered before experts from the China National Arts Fund at the People's Art Theater in Changchun, capital city of Northeast China's Jilin province, on Nov 18. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

A moving scene from the new Xincheng opera, on Nov 18. Xincheng opera is a relatively young form of opera from the ethnic Manchu people. It was developed based on their traditional folk musical form Bajiaogu – using a small octagonal drum – from the region of Fuyu city in Jilin province. The opera form is named after Fuyu's old name Xincheng, which was established in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The story takes place in Songyuan city in Jilin province. During his tenure as village secretary, Guo Mingliang – a heroic model in the province – helped villagers get earthquake and disaster relief, helped poor households increase their incomes and led locals to improve their quality of life. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

An inspiring scene takes place in the new Xincheng opera. After the debut in Changchun on Nov 18, the play will be performed eight times in the province in November and December. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The scenes of the new opera are full of color and movement. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]