Centuries-old opera stage restored in China

A 700-year-old outdoor opera stage in north China's Shanxi Province, one of the eight of its time, has been restored following completion of a six-month restoration project.
At a cost of 1.52 million yuan (USD 2.47 lakh), the project began in June after water and structural damage was discovered at Dongyuemiao Opera Stage in Yaodu District of Linfen City, Xue Qinghong, an official with the Yaodu Cultural Relics and Tourism Bureau said.
Major work was undertaken to repair damage to the bell and the drum tower, the performance hall, side rooms, walls, and floor, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The stage, built in early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), is one of only eight opera stages of its time.

During the Yuan dynasty, Chinese opera flourished.
As one of the birthplaces of opera, Shanxi boasts nearly 3,000 opera stages, including those built in dynasties of Yuan as well as Jin (1115-1234).