Zhang Chunli, the fourth generation inheritor of the Niujiezhuang Dian Drama Museum, performs in the recognition ceremony of the inheritance. [Photo/ynci.cn]

Zhang Chunli, the fourth generation inheritor of Dian Drama, was recognized as a “non-material cultural relics inheritor”by Guanting district at the Niujiezhuang Dian Drama Museum on April 13, ynci.cn reported.

Zhang Chunli was born in a family famous for Dian Drama. His father, Zhang Yong, the curator of the Niujiezhuang Dian Drama Museum, was also an inheritor of Dian Drama.

Zhang Yong noted that Dian Drama was formed in the Qing Dynasty, and has been “a jewel” of Chinese opera. Zhang Rong and Zhang Kun were the first generation of inheritors, Zhang De’en was the second, Zhang Yong, Zhang Xiuying and Zhang Xiuzhen were the thirdand now Zhang Chunli is the fourth generation inheritor. The drama has been inherited for over 160 years.

Zhang Yong is very strict with his daughter, Zhang Wenli. “Though Wenli started learning Dian Drama at the age of four, and has won many awards, I think she still needs time to meet the requirement to be an inheritor,“ said Zhang Yong.

Zhang Wenli performed for an audience of hundreds when the recognition ceremony ended.

Dian is the shortname for Yunnan in Chinese. The Dian Drama Museum was established in 2010 by Zhang Yong, who collected construction materials in the Ming and Qing Dynasty styles. On the second floor antiques on Dian Drama have been collected, enabling people to learn about the history of Dian drama.

The museum was named a provincial level non-material cultural relics protection and inheritance base on Aug 19, 2014 by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture.

Dian Drama is not exclusive to the Zhang family. Zhang Yong noted he is willing to teach whoever wants to learn more about the drama. Niujiezhuang Dian Drama has its own“Opening Day”. People can go to watch performances on every Saturday and Sunday free of charge.