A farmer's passion for traditional opera

Besides the opera, she also broadcasts herself toiling in the field and making local specialties. She goes live even when she goes traveling.

"Many people don't know what the countryside looks like, so live-streaming helps them understand," she said. "This also brings you many, many followers."

China's increasing prosperity has improved seniors' quality of life, and enhanced their self-awareness, said Xing Yuan, a professor of sociology with Shanxi University.

"Guo's story highlights their need to search for their own values and spiritual pursuits," Xing said. "It is also the result of the soaring Internet economy."

Through live-streaming, Guo rakes in more than 1,000 yuan a month. For the new year, she has made a resolution: to reach 50,000 followers.

"I want to hang out more with my friends in the opera community to improve my performing skills," she said. "I also want to take my parents to tour Shanghai."