This combo photo shows Yang Qiang's Peking Opera facial makeup paintings and Yang displaying his facial makeup painting printed on the silk at a cultural center in Shijingshan District in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. Peking Opera facial makeup is an art form characterized by abstraction and exaggeration. Based on the features of facial makeup from various local operas, it has gradually developed into a complete system of makeup styles through the exploration and research of generations of Peking Opera performers. In Beijing, the existing schools of Peking Opera facial makeup include the Weng School, Liu School, Wang School, Gao School, and others.
Born in 1973 into a family with a rich opera heritage, Yang Qiang began studying Peking Opera performance from a young age and was once a professional Peking Opera actor. Through years of stage performance, he gained a deep appreciation for the artistic essence of Peking Opera facial makeup.
In 2006, Yang became an apprentice of Tian Youliang, a facial makeup artist of the Weng School, and started specializing in Peking Opera facial makeup painting.
The Weng School's Peking Opera facial makeup painting techniques originated from the Peking Opera stage but have evolved into an independent art form. They can be used both for stage performance and as a distinct painting style.
Yang is now the third-generation representative inheritor of the "Peking Opera Facial Makeup Painting Techniques (Weng School)," a project recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Shijingshan District in Beijing.
Currently, Yang Qiang works at a cultural center of Shijingshan District. He regularly visits schools and communities to teach Peking Opera performance and facial makeup art. Through his efforts, Yang has nurtured a large number of Peking Opera enthusiasts and facial makeup painting aficionados across various age groups. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang arranges the attire for Peking Opera performance in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang paints Peking Opera facial makeup at a cultural center in Shijingshan District in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang paints Peking Opera facial makeup on the face of a student in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang (L) introduces Peking Opera facial makeup painting at a cultural center in Shijingshan District in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang paints Peking Opera facial makeup on the face of a student in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang teaches Peking Opera performance to a student in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang paints Peking Opera facial makeup at a cultural center in Shijingshan District in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang (2nd R) introduces his Peking Opera facial makeup painting at a cultural center in Shijingshan District in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Yang Qiang displays his Peking Opera facial makeup painting at a cultural center in Shijingshan District in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
