It wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say that there are almost as many local operas as there are local dialects in China. The annual performing season of regional operas brings together these local art forms each year. This year thirty-one shows by opera troupes from across the country are being staged at various theaters across the capital. Let's check'em out.

31 various operas on show in Beijing

It's the annual performing season for China's regional operas. It consists 26 types of regional operas from acros the country. Ji opera, a popular comedic art from northeast of China developed from the Er Ren Zhuan, is staged at the Chang'an Theater. "The Wolf Wife" based on a folk legend is story about a wolf fairy who marries a young farmer to please her mother. The drama displays the region's colorful ethnic song and dance traditions as well as its lively wedding customs.

"It displays the authentic Manchu costums in a very vivid way. For example, the sedan jolting, or jumping over a fiery basin," said Zhao Dandan, lead actress in Ji Opera "The Wolf Wife".

More than half of the 31 opera shows feature contemporary themes, a sign of folk artists' preoccupation with everyday life. The Jiangxi opera "Mountains Can Be Proof" is a perfect example.  The opera tells the real life story of three generations of villiage cadres who led the villagers in a 28-year road construction that connected the remote village to the outside world."

"Such a feat can only be done with an unwavering spirit, in spite of all the odds," said Jiang Chaogao, the scriptwriter of "Mountains Can Be Proof"

Hailed as the modern version of the ancient Chinese legend "Yugong Removes the Mountains", "Mountains Can Be Proof", was also staged at Beijing's Chang'an Theater.