The Tongju Opera Chen Ying Sells Water, selected and recommended by Tongzhou district, won an award for Outstanding Play, with its lead actor Ge Hao honored as an Outstanding Performer, at the 2025 Zijin Culture and Arts Festival that concluded at the Jiangsu Grand Theatre on Oct 28.

The Tongju Opera Chen Ying Sells Water, selected and recommended by Tongzhou district, is performed at the 2025 Zijin Culture and Arts Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: wxtzfb]

The story of Chen Ying Sells Water centers on the unwavering love between Chen Ying, an intellectual from a sea salt production area of ancient Tongzhou, and Liu Lanying, a young lady from the Liu family in Jinghai.

While preserving the artistic essence of traditional Tongju Opera, the play boldly innovates through the use of vocals aligned with the plot and characters' emotions, vividly showcasing the unique charm of Tongzhou's local opera.

The two awards are a strong recognition of Tongzhou's cultural and artistic achievements, resulting from the district's efforts to preserve local opera traditions and cultivate outstanding artistic talent.