Gu Haohao, director, Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Looking ahead

According to the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, the annual number of performances has risen from 112 in 2013 to 272 in 2016, with the income of performances soaring from 3.31 million yuan in 2014 to 8.25 million yuan in 2016.

"We are now in a better place," says Gu, whose team plans to make full use of the current opportunities, reflected in their packed performance schedules.

For Zhang, who runs a private troupe, the first goal of surviving has been achieved. "We are now running in a healthy way. We can support ourselves with our performances. It is not easy for private troupes."

Zhang played Emperor Xuanzong, one of the protagonists, in the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe's first performance of The Palace of Eternal Life in Shanghai in September.

It was the first time that he had returned to the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe where he started his career as a professional performer.

So, no matter what route they take, Gu and Zhang will remain committed to Kunqu Opera, declared as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2001.