Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) embarked on a journey from Chang'an (Xi'an, Shaanxi province) to wed Tubo ruler Songtsen Gampo, as a marriage alliance. This role demanded Li Jiayi to embody a character evolving through four decades — from youthful innocence to wisdom gained through hardship.

"It's very challenging. … I will never forget the days I spent in the rehearsal room along with my colleagues," she says.

Now, at 36, Li Jiayi is the vice-president of Guangzhou Red Bean Cantonese Opera Troupe of the theater. Besides performing, she is committed to innovating Cantonese Opera to make it more relevant to younger audiences.

She launched an album combining Cantonese Opera with pop and electronic music and collaborated with Tencent to incorporate Cantonese Opera movements into video games.

"The fusion of modern technology with traditional art creates endless possibilities for innovation," she says.

"Cantonese Opera deserves to be seen by more people, especially younger audiences. Reinterpreting it through creative adaptations makes it easier for them to connect with their cultural heritage."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn