Jiangsu University in Zhenjiang, East China's Jiangsu province has been working with the city's artistic creation and research center to offer traditional Chinese opera classes to students.

The art center has regularly conducted various activities to teach the students about Chinese operas. The activities are expected to improve their artistic sense, bring the art form to a larger audience, and promote Chinese culture, according to Gong Lili, director of the art center.

Students can learn about the different types of operas, including traditional and modern ones, during the classes. According to Gong, beginners usually start with simple and popular plays, such as Huangmei Opera The Fairy Couple, which is a love story involving the youngest daughter of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven in Chinese mythology, and a human named Dong Yong.

International students from countries like Iran, India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Kenya have also got to learn about many Chinese opera genres including Yue Opera, Xiju Opera and Yangzhou Opera.

"The Fairy Couple is such a beautiful love story and I want to share it with my friends. Chinese culture is so amazing," said an Iranian student.

"We hope all students can perform a part of an opera independently before their graduation," said Gong.