[Photo provided to China Daily]

"From this January, I joined in the rehearsal. Though I just play a small role, it was a great learning experience with those seasoned actors," says Wang, 24, who was born and grew up in Baoji, Shaanxi province.

She began to learn Qinqiang Opera when she was 11 years old and specialized in hua dan (leading female role) and wu dan (a female role with martial arts skills) at a local art school.

"I learned about Yisushe when I was in the art school and dreamed about becoming one of its members," says Wang. "As a young actress, I like pop culture like other young people but I'm attracted to Qinqiang Opera, because it's full of history."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn