In the fight against COVID-19 outbreak, Yangzhou has launched a variety of cultural programs online as physical venues were closed.

Ge Ruilian, a master of Yangzhou opera, has been teaching the city’s iconic opera form through live stream recently. More than 150,000 people have watched her 29 episodes online since August 4.

Ge gives performance and lecture through live stream.

Ge said Yangzhou opera usually has a limited number of audiences but the pandemic has enabled more people to be interested in the national intangible cultural heritage, including young people.

On social media platforms, artists and performers from Yangzhou became active in sharing their works and also supported those fighting on the frontline. Since the outbreak, nearly 20 actors from the Yangzhou Folk Art Research Institute have cooperated to make over ten short videos on COVID-19 response topics, such as the correct way of wearing a mask and support to nucleic acid testing.

Yangzhou Children's Library has also invited many authors to host more than 90 online programs, such as an exchange with children. The library also cooperated with a publishing house to provide free access to nearly 700 e-books and 100 audiobooks for the city’s young readers.

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