China has more than 300 kinds of folk operas. In addition to the world-famous Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera, Chuanju Opera, which originated in Sichuan province in the early 17th century, has a big following in South China.

Chongqing Chuanju Opera Company will stage its latest production Li Yaxian for the Beijing Drama and Dance Festival at the Poly Theater on November 18 and 19.

Adapted from a folk tale in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the play tells of the tragic love story between the courtesan Li Yaxian and Zheng Yuanhe, son of a high-ranking family. Zheng goes to take the national exam in the capital, where he falls in love with Li. The madam gets all of Zheng's money and Zheng's father is so ashamed and angry with what his son has done that he gives him a good beating and kicks him out the family.