A group of foreign reporters from more than 10 foreign media outlets visit the Jinan Lyu Opera Theater on Sept 11 to experience the charms of traditional Chinese opera. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of foreign reporters from more than 10 international media outlets visited the Jinan Lyu Opera Theatre on Sept 11 to experience the charms of traditional Chinese opera.

As one of the eight major operas in China, Lyu Opera features diverse tunes, down-to-earth lyrics and beautiful melodies that have a history of more than 100 years. It is also included on China's list of national intangible cultural heritage.

Foreign journalists admire Lyu Opera performers. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Many plays created by the theater have won more than 100 awards in national and provincial art competitions. Some of its works have even been performed in Russia, Jordan, South Korea and other countries. It is one of the few local operas that can go abroad.

Zhang Ling, director of Jinan Lyu Opera Theatre, said that the themes of Lyu Opera are intimately related to the daily lives of ordinary people and have become a popular form of drama among people.

As one of the eight major operas in China, Lyu Opera features diverse tunes, down-to-earth lyrics and beautiful melodies. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

In recent years, Jinan Lyu Opera Threatre has staged performances in local kindergartens, primary and junior middle schools to help more students get to know the traditional art form. The opera company has also ramped up efforts to pass it on to the next generation.

"I hope that more overseas performances will be launched by Jinan Lyu Opera Theatre so that more people can enjoy the splendor and charm of traditional Chinese opera," said Alevtina Donskikh, deputy editor-in-chief of the Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper.

Muhammad Imran, a journalist from the Dawn News in Pakistan, tries his hand in spinning a handkerchief at Jinan Lyu Opera Theatre. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Alevtina Donskikh, deputy editor-in-chief of the Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper poses for a photo with members of the Jinan Lyu Opera Theatre. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]