To deepen international students’ understanding of local Shaoxing folk operas through experiencing the charm of Shaoxing traditional culture, Shaoxing University arranged a field visit on April 19. International students paid a visit to the studio of Huang Xiaobang, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage Shaoxing Opera Facial Mask Craftsmanship, enjoying an up-close encounter with the art of painting Shaoxing opera facial masks.

As a traditional stage makeup art of Chinese opera, facial masks vividly reflect the personalities of different characters and constitute an indispensable element of opera performance. Their artistic styles vary greatly in accordance with different eras, regions and opera genres. Distinctive in form, spirit and conception, Shaoxing opera facial masks boast independent ornamental value and unique aesthetic features.

Every exquisite artwork embodies meticulous craftsmanship. Master Huang Xiaobang, a seasoned artisan in this field, walked international students through the whole production procedure, including mould shaping, pigment painting and final ornamentation of facial masks. Under his patient guidance, overseas students tried painting facial masks by themselves, gaining an immersive insight into the exclusive local culture of Shaoxing through hands-on practice.

This activity has enabled international students to shift from conceptual imagination to tangible cultural experience, greatly stirring their enthusiasm to further explore the city of Shaoxing.