Qinqiang Opera, a popular local opera, has a long tradition in northwest China, especially in Shaanxi, a place known around the world for being the venue where the terra-cotta warriors and horses were found.

Hundreds of artists from a dozen of troupes from northwest China's provinces and autonomous regions will stage nearly 40 Qinqiang operas during the event, which is jointly sponsored by the Chinese Dramatists Association and the cultural department of Shaanxi Provincial Government.

During the 12-day festival, a seminar on history and future development of the ancient opera art will also be held.

(People’s Daily 11/04/2000)