Students try on Qinqiang Opera costumes and learn the movements.

A session of the "XJTU Youth π" salon was held at the Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) Museum on June 10, with Chinese and international students from eight countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia, gathering to enjoy Qinqiang Opera, a celebrated intangible cultural heritage.

The event featured performances of classic Qinqiang excerpts and professional techniques by Shi Hudie and Sun Qiaoli, actresses from the Zhouzhi County Opera Troupe, as well as Deng Xiaogang, a teaching assistant at the Shaanxi Traditional Qinqiang School Preservation and Development Center. Drawing from their decades of experience, the performers shared stories of their dedication to passing down this traditional operatic art.

Guided by the performers, the students took to the stage to try their hand at fun operatic techniques like handling water sleeves and spinning spears.

Chinese student Jing Yihui and Russian student Anna got a firsthand taste of Qinqiang's makeup and costume design, showcasing the stunning aesthetics of traditional opera.

"Today, I felt the magic of Qinqiang Opera," Jing shared. "As the younger generation, I want to help spread traditional culture so that the beauty of Qinqiang can be known and loved by more people."

During a panel discussion, five XJTU students from China, Russia, Indonesia, and Malaysia shared insights across four key topics: the cultural symbolism of Qinqiang, artistic expression across different countries, cross-cultural art communication, and blending traditional art with modern trends.

"This was my first time stepping into the world of a Chinese opera character," Anna said. "Every single melody and movement in Qinqiang Opera carries a deep story and profound emotion."