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When Yue Opera's New Dragon Gate Inn exploded across social media, one name stole the spotlight: Chen Lijun, the actress redefining tradition by masterfully portraying male characters. Her journey? A love letter to her roots in Shengzhou—a small town in southeast China where Yue Opera isn’t just art; it’s life.
Chen’s childhood in this cultural hub shaped her path. 'Growing up, the stage felt like home,' she says. Now, her magnetic performance blends centuries-old storytelling with modern flair, resonating with Gen-Z audiences craving authenticity. The play’s viral success proves traditional art can slay in the TikTok era.
Shengzhou, known as the 'Cradle of Yue Opera,' fuels careers like Chen’s through festivals and training programs. Locals call it 'passing the torch'—a nod to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. As Chen puts it: 'Every role I play carries my hometown’s heartbeat.'
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Her journey? A love letter to her roots in Shengzhou—a small town in southeast China where Yue Opera isn’t just art; it’s life.
'Growing up, the stage felt like home,' she says. Now, her magnetic performance blends centuries-old storytelling with modern flair, resonating with Gen-Z audiences craving authenticity. The play’s viral success proves traditional art can slay in the TikTok era.
Locals call it 'passing the torch'—a nod to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. As Chen puts it: 'Every role I play carries my hometown’s heartbeat.'
