ChineseToday | Jin Opera performer's 40-year dedication to playing role of Guan Yu -Xinhua

TAIYUAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Jin Opera, originated in the central area of Shanxi Province, is a representative genre of opera in Shanxi. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

Wu Lingyun (C) stages a performance in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)

Wu Lingyun, a representative inheritor of Jin Opera, was born in a family of Jin Opera actors and entered the opera troupe at the age of 12.

In 1985, when he was 21, Wu started to play the role of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles and widely revered by the Chinese. In order to play the role well, Wu went through books on the history of the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) of China, learned from experienced actors and other genres of Chinese operas, and drew inspiration from sculpture, painting, shadow play and other art forms. After years of accumulation, the role of Guan Yu has become Wu Lingyun's representative performance.

Wu Lingyun (C) and his troupe members take part in an activity in Honglai Township of Nan'an City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 16, 2024. (Xinhua)

Wu Lingyun practices acting moves of Jin Opera at the Temple of Guan Yu in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)

This is an undated file photo of Wu Lingyun (1st R) and his wife Wang Chunmei (1st L), his mother Yan Huizhen (2nd L), and his father Wu Zhong. All of them are China's national first-class actors. (Xinhua)

Decades of stage career have left unique marks on Wu's face. Wrinkles extend to his forehead and sideburns for he wears the head ornaments for a long time which pulls his facial skin.

At the age of retirement, he still feels the heavy responsibility of inheriting and promoting this excellent traditional culture. "I would love to keep on performing as long as the audience applaud," Wu said.