Children from Beijing play take part in dancing at the summer camp staged in the capital by the Forbidden City Concert Hall. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

Zhang Shuo, director of the Yantai Art Museum, said Peking Opera became popular in Yantai in the 19th century after some well-known masters of the art form performed there, including Tan Xinpei (1847-1917), the founder of Tan-style performance. Tan, who gave three shows in Yantai in 1868, was the first Peking Opera master to perform in the city.

"At the time, Peking Opera troupes that toured the country stopped by the docks in Yantai, as the city was regarded as a place to test the artists' popularity," Zhang said. "Many parents now bring their kids to Yantai, as it's a popular tourist destination. With the Peking Opera camp, they can enjoy a different summer."

During the camp, the Yantai Art Museum stages a Peking Opera exhibition, displaying artworks that include paper-cuts, ink paintings, sculptures and makeup to introduce the art form's history and characters. On Aug 7, the exhibition will move to Beijing.