Ancient Yi ethnic opera performed in Guizhou

Yi ethnic residents perform Cuotaiji in Weining county, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Cuotaiji is an ancient drama preserved in Luoga village of Bandi town in Weining's Yi, Hui and Miao autonomous county, Guizhou province.

Cuotaiji in the Yi language refers to the magic of human evolution. Cuotaiji were rituals the Yi ethnic group used to worship ancestors and pray for well-being and a bountiful harvest. It gradually developed into an opera. Cuotaiji Opera was registered in 2006 in the first list of national intangible cultural heritage.

Che Weiwei contributed to this story.