Fans organized a concert in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, for Xiao Peizhu, a retired Pingju artist, with money raised via Internet crowdfunding. It gave the 84-year-old a chance to return to the stage to show the charm of the opera that originated in northern China. /VCG Photo

Xiao started learning Pingju at 9 years old and began performing on stage at 14. She continued to do so for half a century, becoming one of the most celebrated performers of the Chinese opera. Having been retired for more than 20 years, she started to miss the stage, especially when she realized that Pingju was gradually losing popularity. /VCG Photo

After learning of Xiao's wish, fans Zhao Yabo, the runner-up of Chinese Opera TV Quiz, and Xiao Bo from Bohai University, decided to hold a Pingju opera concert for her. A beauty vlogger, dubbed "Dang Mei" also offered to help, posting Pingju make-up videos online to attract more public attention. /VCG Photo

Xiao was very pleased at the concert and felt excited to be on stage again. However, she was also concerned about the future of the opera: "I have devoted all my life to Pingju and have seen how it is gradually losing its popularity. I hope that more and more young people can develop an interest in Pingju." /VCG Photo

"I saw these retired artists’ endless love for Pingju. I truly admire them," said Zhao Yabo. /VCG Photo