A Wuju Opera performance is staged at the China Wuju Opera Theater in Jinhua, Zhejiang province on Feb 16. [Photo/CFP]

Wuju Opera, a type of opera local to the city of Jinhua and its neighboring areas in Zhejiang, is experiencing a golden era both at home and abroad after 65 years of ups and downs thanks to its people-rooted approach.

The Zhejiang Wuju Opera Art Institute and the Zhejiang Wuju Opera Troupe have performed the traditional opera throughout nearly the entire nation and 49 countries and regions around the globe.

Every year, the troupe gives hundreds of performances in Chinese villages. It has also taken part in China's "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations, an event initiated by the country's Ministry of Culture and Tourism for global exchange, for 12 consecutive years. More than 300 Wuju Opera performances have been given to global audiences.

"Performing for the people" is a belief that all actors at the Zhejiang Wuju Opera Art Institute hold fast to.

"The more the audiences love me, the more effort I'm willing to put it," said Lou Sheng, a renowned Wuju Opera actor.

Chen Meilan, a famous actress at the institute, said that the value of actors can be seen on stage, and it is their mission to tell China's stories through Wuju Opera.

Chen recalled their previous performances in villages during a cold winter. They slept on the cement floor at night and continued to perform in the daytime, no matter how cold it was. But she still thought that it was a worthy cause after hearing the enthusiastic applause of villagers after each performance.