The Grand Mansion Gate revolves around ups and downs of a Beijing family from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to the 1940s.[Photo provided to China Daily]

So, Guo decided to work with the young director.

Then, along with Li, he co-directed the Peking Opera version of The Grand Mansion Gate.

Li, who was born in Linfen, Shanxi province, to a family who worked in local folk opera, is credited with creating a market for Peking Opera shows in small theaters.

Fans say that her plots are simple and there are fewer characters to keep track of.

Li has been working with Jingju Theater Company of Beijing, which was founded in 1979, since her graduation from the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts about 10 years ago.

Recounting her reaction when she was approached by Guo, she says: "I was flattered when he came tome. I had watched the TV drama many times and was a big fan."

Peking Opera, known as jingju in Chinese, has a history of more than 200 years and was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010.

Recalling the challenges she faced, Li says that the first one was the script.