A kindergarten in Qingdao West Coast New Area has added Maoqiang opera, a national intangible cultural heritage item, into its curriculum to cultivate children's interests in the art and to enhance their understanding of local traditional opera.

A teacher applies facial makeup on a student in preparation for Maoqiang opera class at a kindergarten in Qingdao West Coast New Area on March 3. [Photo/IC]

Children at a kindergarten in Qingdao West Coast New Area learn how to perform Maoqiang opera on March 3. [Photo/IC]

A Maoqiang opera lesson is held at a kindergarten in Qingdao West Coast New Area for children. The goal of the class is to get young people interested in Chinese traditional operas. [Photo/IC]

Children learn Maoqiang opera gestures at a kindergarten in Qingdao West Coast New Area. [Photo/IC]

Children practice Maoqiang opera gestures at a kindergarten in Qingdao West Coast New Area on March 3. [Photo/IC] 

A teacher instructs children how to perform Maoqiang opera at a kindergarten in Qingdao West Coast New Area. Maoqiang opera is a traditional folk art from the Jiaodong area of Shandong province. [Photo/IC]