Beijing delegation to the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) held a plenary session on March 6. Li Chaogang, secretary of the Party Committee for Fengtai District, suggested setting up opera classes in elementary schools.

Li said Chinese opera is one of the three oldest dramas in the world and a national treasure of Chinese culture, as well as an important part of global culture.

Given the fact that protecting Chinese opera is not only a need in our national survival and development, but also carries a profound historical significance, Li gave three suggestions to strengthen the protection of Chinese opera.

Establish a national level Chinese opera museum. In recent years, our country has attached great importance to the cultural industry and has built a batch of art museums. However, we don't have an opera museum. Establishing such a museum can display the development of Chinese theater.

Set up opera classes in elementary schools. Most drama lovers are middle-aged or elderly and young people rarely hold an interest in it. Now the arts and calligraphy have both been included in primary school classes. Opera however, a cultural tradition of China, has not yet been included.

Construct a comprehensive opera cultural center which could promote the nation's traditional opera culture by speeding up market-based operations.