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.