Hitting the high notes

Urbanization, Western influences and the rise of television led to a decline in traditional Chinese opera's popularity. Opera troupes closed, and younger generations gravitated toward modern entertainment. Despite this, Li didn't give up.

"There were times I thought about changing careers because of the low pay and physical exhaustion. Many colleagues left the troupe but I couldn't," he says.

Li's perseverance paid off. In the early 1990s, he moved to Guangzhou, a city with a rich Cantonese Opera tradition and modernization. He was recruited by the legendary Hung Sin-nui, a foremost figure in the world of Cantonese Opera, to join her prestigious troupe.

Guangzhou's openness to Western influences and the government's growing support for traditional arts created an environment where Li could thrive.

In 2001, Li joined the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre and starred in many classic productions. One of his signature roles was as Lin Yuansheng in Hua Yue Ying (Shadow of Flower and Moon). The role earned him the 25th Chinese Drama Plum Blossom Award in 2011, the country's highest honor in theater.