Duangong Opera, performed with masks, is a variety of Nuo Opera that remains popular in Wangcang county, Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province. It was added to the intangible cultural heritage list of China in June last year.

Performers display masks and costumes used in the Duangong Opera in Wangcang county, Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nuo Opera, originating from ancient sacrificial ceremonies, is an ancient folk drama which is still popular in many Chinese provinces along the Yangtze River. 

Thousands of years ago, performing Nuo Opera was thought to drive away plague and diseases. Nowadays, it is customary for local people to perform the opera during traditional festivals to invite good luck.

Wangcang Duangong Opera integrates  local literature, music, dance, drama, painting, calligraphy, sculpture and paper-cutting arts, and has become a comprehensive expression of history, folklore and folk religion of the northern part of Sichuan province.