Craftsman Has a Head for Opera

Han Xiaoli, a 55-year-old craftsman from Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, can make more than 100 kinds of headwear for a local opera.

The unique headwear plays quite an important role in performances of qinqiang opera, a typical Shaanxi folk opera that requires performers to sing at a high pitch.

Han learned the skills from his father at the age of 15, and since then he has devoted his life to the intangible culture heritage.

"Due to its complicated production process and low income, fewer young people are willing to learn the traditional skill," he said. "I hope it can get more attention from the government as well as the public, passing the tradition from generation to generation."

Han Xiaoli creates various headwear pieces for different stories and characters in qinqiang opera. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Han Xiaoli creates various headwear pieces for different stories and characters in qinqiang opera. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Han Xiaoli presents a headdress he made. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Han Xiaoli tries on a headdress he made. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]