The role of education in the transmission of Northern Henan Zhuizi Chinese Opera: A case study of Cui Zhixia

Simin Qian, Khomkrich Karin and Peerapong Sensai

African Educational Research Journal
Published: November 25 2025
Volume 13, Issue 4
Pages 497-506
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17708191

Abstract

This study investigates the role of education in the transmission of Northern Henan Zhuizi Chinese Opera through the case study of Cui Zhixia, a provincial-level inheritor and educator. Northern Henan Zhuizi, a lyrical and narrative art form deeply rooted in the Henan region’s cultural identity, has faced challenges of declining transmission due to modernization and shifting cultural interests. The research aims to explore how education influences the preservation, transmission, and revitalization of Zhuizi through structured pedagogical models and community engagement. Conducted in Anyang City, Henan Province, the birthplace of the Northern Zhuizi tradition, this qualitative case study involved five key informants, including senior artists, students, and cultural officers. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, and analyzed thematically across dimensions of structured education, intergenerational learning, digital innovation, and cultural sustainability. Findings reveal that Cui Zhixia’s educational approach transforms the traditional master-disciple model into a systematic framework integrating formal and informal education. Her innovative use of digital platforms extends Zhuizi’s reach beyond local communities, while intergenerational programs strengthen cultural continuity. The study concludes that education serves as both a preservation mechanism and an adaptive tool for sustaining folk opera in modern society. It recommends integrating traditional arts into institutional curricula and digital learning platforms to ensure enduring cultural vitality.

Keywords: Northern Henan Zhuizi, cultural transmission, educational innovation, folk opera preservation, intangible cultural heritage.

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