Streaming tale of ties

Huang has impressed audiences over more than two decades with the diversity of roles he has played, including emperor, swordsman and English teacher.

But it is the 43-year-old's first time to play an enthusiast of Peking Opera.

Huang, who is self-isolating in a hotel in Chengdu, Sichuan province, since his new TV series' shooting was suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak, tells China Daily that Peking Opera's charm drew him to the role.

"Although Peking Opera is one of China's most representative traditional arts, it has a relatively small fan base. I hope the drama will promote the art form among a wider viewership and attract attention from more young people," says Huang.

Huang recalls one of his greatest challenges throughout shooting was to follow a tough diet as his character is described as a slim Shanghai gentleman.

"I felt a little 'tortured' when watching the crew eat since I could only have a few vegetables," he says.