ow lucky I am to make up like a Peking Opera performer," a Russian student at School of Chinese Studies and Exchange (SCSE) at Shanghai International Studies University（SISU），said excitedly.

It was the spring of 2024 when Sofia first learned about Peking Opera. She chose Peking Opera without any hesitation from four programs provided by SISU during a cultural event. The event aimed at making international students better understand traditional Chinese culture and art.

" I do not want to lose this opportunity to learn about Peking opera, so I signed up right away when our teacher texted us on WeChat," Sofia said.

Sofia has long been interested in Peking opera. Before coming to China, she had read articles and watched videos about Peking Opera on YouTube. However,without hearing the sound or touching the props on site but just reading the explanatory text in the videos and articles，it was difficult for her to understand Peking Opera.This was consistent with her impression that Peking Opera usually needed years of studying until she joined SISU’s Peking Opera course.

Gao Xin,the courses presenter and a real Peking Opera performer, introduced vividly about every aspect of Peking Opera such as its history and origin, the meaning of a specific scene, the distinction of each role, as well as famous Peking Opera performers and stories.

In the second class, when Gao asked who would like to be a model, Sofia raised her hand immediately. She was shaped into Yang Yuhuan, an heroine in one of the classic Peking Opera pieces the Drunken Concubine, after more than one hour of facial makeup, body dressing, and the headwear.

"I felt that I was another one," Sofia said when looking at herself in the mirror in a little surprise and shyness.

She then performed the movements in Peking Opera under the guidance of Gao , leaving many precious memories and photos taken by her classmates.

This experience made Sofia more respectful of Peking Opera performers. She felt that the costumes are very heavy, especially the Kuitou (a hat worn on the head of the performers).

"I felt very tired even though I stood for just about 10 minutes. I cannot imagine that performers have to perform on stage all year long, dancing and holding all that props," she said.

Although the course is only five lessons long, it is a precious and unforgettable experience for Sofia.

Now Sofia sometimes goes to the theater to watch Peking Opera, and she can explain to her friends what a certain role stands for or what a certain scene means. She is planning to experience the culture of Sichuan opera this year.

"I am looking forward to more cultural events in the future, and I will continue to be the first to sign up," Sofia said.

Known as jingju, Peking Opera, is a major traditional art form in China dating back to more than 200 years. Combining instrumental music, vocal performances, mime, dance and acrobatics, it has been inscribed into the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage list since 2010.