A tourist from Lithuania immerses herself in the art of Yueju Opera in Shengzhou county-level city, Shaoxing, on March 27. [Photo/Tide News]

International visitors joined seasoned performers in singing Yueju Opera at the Yueju Opera Museum in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, on March 27.

The occasion marked Shengzhou's commemoration of the 118th anniversary of the birth of Yueju Opera.

Through events such as the inauguration of the "Yueju Opera Cultural Year" and cultural expeditions led by online influencers, the celebrations paid homage to the forebears of Yueju Opera while extending its cultural reach across the globe.

A ceremony was also held to unveil the plaque adorning the former residence of Yuan Xuefen. Yuan, a luminary of Yueju Opera, laid the groundwork for its contemporary artistic expression. The former residence provides visitors with an immersive glimpse into the artistic odyssey of the revered figure.

"Visiting the hallowed grounds of our mentor's former dwelling invokes a profound sense of familiarity," shared Yueju Opera inheritor Fang Yafen, as she guided her pupils through the halls of Yuan's abode.

Fang pledged to uphold the legacy of her esteemed teacher, embracing the spirit of innovation and tenacity that defined Yuan's career.