Young Stars Keep Ancient Opera Alive

Behind every flip, spin, and dramatic leap in Shanxi’s Shangdang Bangzi opera lies years of grit. At Gaoping Secondary Vocational School, students spend hours perfecting this 400-year-old art form—one cartwheel at a time. Their secret? Pure passion for a cultural gem that’s survived centuries.

More Than Just Drama

Known for its rhythmic wooden clappers and vibrant costumes, Shangdang Bangzi isn’t just opera—it’s a time capsule of northern China’s storytelling traditions. Designated as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006, its survival relies on young talents like these students. 'We’re not just learning moves,' says one trainee. 'We’re guardians of history.'

Why It Matters

With over 40% of China’s traditional operas at risk of fading away, programs like Gaoping’s are crucial. Every somersault mastered here ensures that future generations will experience the thunderous clappers and soaring melodies that once echoed through imperial courts.

As the curtain rises on a new era, these teens prove that tradition isn’t confined to textbooks—it’s alive, kicking, and doing backflips.

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From passion to profession: Inheriting Shangdang wooden clapper opera

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