A diancui head-ornament collected by Geng Xin. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Many places in Nantong are known as the hometown of Peking Opera, and in Chongchuan district, Geng Xin, a member of the Jiangdong Peking Opera Troupe, has supported the troupe by collecting second-hand props.

In the opera community, the number of actor's costumes and paraphernalia displays the strength of an opera troupe.

Geng's collection of second-hand props originated from the air drying of theatrical costumes by professionals from the Nantong Peking Opera Troupe during his teen years when he learnt that many of the costumes were bought from other art troupes.

Geng Xin works on his makeup. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Costumes are made for the opera and collecting second-hand costumers is a way of cherishing things and preserving the opera culture, noted the opera enthusiast.

In 2015 when Geng joined the Jiangdong Peking Opera Troupe, he completed his first purchase. He found out online that an art troupe in Shanxi province would undersell their six boxes of costumes and paraphernalia, including embroidered robes and all kinds of ancient weapons, which the Jiangdong troupe lacked.

Over the years, Geng has bought numerous second-hand props. Among them, the most valuable collection is a set of diancui (dipping blue) head-ornaments. To make diancui jewelry, kingfisher feathers are meticulously cut and glued onto gold or silver to create an iridescent effect similar to cloisonne.

To promote Peking Opera and attract more young fans, Geng has also uploaded short videos about the art on Douyin and introduced it in vivid language. The opera actor said he dreams of establishing an opera community in Nantong consisting of young people.