2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This multi-ethnic land, home to Uygur, Kazakh, Kirgiz and more, is buzzing with festive spirit as diverse communities celebrate unity and shared joy.
Meet Ayqihra Abliz, a young Uygur drama student from Urumqi 🎭. Growing up in an artistic family, Ayqihra fell in love with traditional Chinese opera early on. At just 12, she earned a spot at the Middle School Affiliated to the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, specializing in Qingyi roles of the Mei School in Peking Opera.
During holidays, you'll spot her in local parks, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere as grandparents and elders sing and dance under wide Xinjiang skies 🌞. These moments fuel her passion.
Ayqihra believes that Peking Opera and Xinjiang's own song-and-dance traditions are cultural gems of the Chinese mainland. She envisions a future where these art forms blend, take root and flourish together in her diverse homeland.
In Ayqihra’s journey, we see how young voices can bridge cultures and keep heritage alive—proof that shared art transcends boundaries and brings us all closer. ✨
Reference(s):
Vibrant Xinjiang: How a Xinjiang girl became a Peking Opera actress
cgtn.com
