The Zouping Lyu Opera Troupe in East China's Shandong province started their winter campaign to bring opera performances to the province's rural areas on Nov 14.

Lyu Opera is a traditional opera popular in Shandong province. Its music belongs to the Banqiang genre, as the main instruments used are the zhuiqin, dulcimer, pipa and sanxian - known as "the four major pieces for Lyu Opera".

With its simple and vivid lyrics, beautiful melodies, and rich and colorful vocabulary, the opera has become extremely popular over the years.

The Zouping Lyu Opera Troupe stages about 300 performances annually to rural areas so that villagers can enjoy opera near their homes.

Performers of the Zouping Lyu Opera Troupe stage some classic arias in Xiaolinchi village, Zouping, Shandong province, Nov 14. [Photo by VCG/dzwww.com]

A performer of the Zouping Lyu Opera Troupe puts on makeup before her performance in Xiaolinchi village, Zouping, Shandong province, Nov 14. [Photo by VCG/dzwww.com]

A performer of the Zouping Lyu Opera Troupe checks his costumes before performing in Xiaolinchi village, Zouping, Shandong province, Nov 14. [Photo by VCG/dzwww.com]