Modern take on an ancient art

"I've seen many traditional plays, and I was moved to tears seeing a couple of new plays about the Chinese revolution," she says.

"I'm very familiar with Peking Opera stars in Shanghai such as Shi Yihong and Fu Xiru, but Boss Yu remains my all-time true love."

In September, the authorities of Shanghai's Baoshan district decided to help Wang Peiyu in her efforts to promote Peking Opera by letting her manage Yu Yin Ge, a cozy 200-seat theater venue located within the Dragon Museum of Modern Art in the district. The 300-year-old theater was originally located in Anhui province before it was moved to Shanghai.

"This will be my headquarters for the performance of traditional Peking Opera works. I could not help but marvel at its beauty. I've seen some antique theaters as I've traveled around the country, but this was the only one that inspired me to sing," says Wang Peiyu.

"I hope Yu Yin Ge will not only be a performance venue for established artists and stars, but also a place where young people can come and try their hand. This theater has an intimate ambience that cannot be found in modern venues."

The theater features traditional Chinese stage design and has elaborate eaves, columns, handrails and windows. Its roof is structured like a pyramid to optimize the acoustics.