The Ninth China Qin Opera Art Festival kicked off on June 13 in Xi'an city – capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province – and runs to June 24.

Zhao Yangwu and Zhang Bei, winners of the Plum Performance Award, one of China's top awards for theater and opera performances, took center stage.

They gave wonderful performances at the Yisu Theater Cultural District on June 18, allowing locals to enjoy the art of Qin Opera at no charge.

Zhao Yangwu, winner of the Plum Performance Award, hits a high note during a Qin Opera rendition in Xi'an on June 18. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

On the day, they performed on stage, and both artists received a rousing reception from the audience, which frequently burst into rapt applause.

"The performances of the artists are so breathtaking. Although I don't quite understand their lyrics, they are really perfect in terms of sound quality," said a tourist from Hunan province.

The two artists were also moved by their public's enthusiasm. They not only gave renditions of their best and favorite pieces, but also guided opera fans, revealing the fans' current shortcomings and improvements in their future performances.

A radiant Zhang Bei, winner of the Plum Performance Award, charms the audience during a recital of Qin Opera. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

"The audience is so enthusiastic. In such a hot weather, they can still watch our performance. I am really touched," Zhang said.

"This is the first time I have participated in such an open-air performance. I am really honored to be in such close contact with opera fans".

Zhang added that the development of Qin Opera was inseparable from the efforts of professional artists and it was also even more inseparable from the attention of fans.