Zhang Xiyun, a 28-year-old singer-songwriter who wrote several hit guofeng (Chinese-style) singles inspired by traditional Chinese opera, is among the eight participants.

A graduate of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts' Peking Opera performance department, she performed a song on a seaside stage in the port city of Aktau that incorporated authentic, unadulterated Peking Opera vocal techniques.

The performance drew enthusiastic applause from the audience and reassured her that listeners could appreciate a blend of traditional opera singing and contemporary pop.

Kudaibergen, a vocalist she has long admired, acknowledged her talent during the program.

"His encouragement motivates me to learn from different cultures, draw on diverse perspectives, and pursue a future direction as a music producer," she says, adding that the trip has sparked her interest in learning to play the dombra, which she is now studying.

Zhang's path to music began early. She started learning the laodan role (a character type portraying elderly women in Peking Opera) at the age of 10.

Years of strict training and a disciplined lifestyle in an opera troupe taught her to set very high standards for herself.

For a long time, she was quite formal, serious and somewhat reserved.

"After graduating, I started making my own music, and made many new friends who helped me become more cheerful and more willing to show my true self," she says.