African Educational Research Journal - Full Length Research Paper - The role of education in the transmission of Northern Henan Zhuizi Chinese Opera

Oct 15, 2026

This study investigates the role of education in transmitting Northern Henan Zhuizi Chinese Opera through a qualitative case study of Cui Zhixia, a provincial-level inheritor and educator. Declining transmission caused by modernization and changing cultural interests threatens the lyrical, narrative art rooted in Henan cultural identity. Research in Anyang City analyzes education’s impact on preservation, transmission, and revitalization via structured pedagogy, community engagement, digital innovation, and intergenerational learning.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Problem of weakened intergenerational transmission

Education’s role in safeguarding folk performing arts

African Educational Research Journal Vol. 13(4), pp. 497-506, November 2025 ISSN: 2354-2160 Full Length Research Paper The role of education in the transmission of Northern Henan Zhuizi Chinese Opera: A case study of Cui Zhixia Simin Qian 1*, Khomkrich Karin1 and Peerapong Sensai2 1College of Music, Mahasarakham University, Thailand. 2 Faculty of Fine-Applied Arts and Cultural Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand. Accepted 20 November, 2025 | 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. | | --- | | *Corresponding author. E-mail: [65012061044. msu@gmail.com](65012061044. msu@gmail.com). | INTRODUCTION Northern Henan Zhuizi is a traditional Chinese opera that combines the beauty of lyrical singing, rhythmic storytelling, and expressive dialectal performance into one art form. It originated in the Central Plains of China and reflects the social, linguistic, and emotional characteristics of the Henan region. For centuries, Zhuizi has served not only as entertainment but also as a vessel for moral lessons, cultural values, and community cohesion. Its performance style integrates spoken narrative and song, often accompanied by a simple bowed string instrument, creating a distinct art form that bridges music, literature, and theater (Pu et al. , 2023; Zhang et al. , 2024; Zhang and Sornyai, 2025) . However, the combined forces of globalization and modernization have disrupted the cultural ecosystem that once supported Zhuizi. The spread of mass media and changing lifestyles has displaced local folk arts, leaving many young people unaware of this traditional form of opera (Iftikhar et al. , 2023; Zonggui, 2015). This growing cultural gap threatens the continuity of Northern Henan Zhuizi and challenges the intergenerational transmission of its artistic heritage. The central problem addressed in this study is the weakening of Northern Henan Zhuizi’s intergenerational transmission. Historically, the art form relied on the Afr Educ Res J 498 “master-to-disciple” model of oral and observational learning deeply rooted in family and community networks. This traditional model, though effective in the past, struggles to survive in today’s urban and commercial environment. As rural populatio

FAQs

What is the main problem addressed in the study?

The study focuses on the weakening of Northern Henan Zhuizi’s intergenerational transmission, traditionally maintained through the master-to-disciple oral and observational learning model.

How does the research explain the causes of declining transmission?

It attributes decline to modernization, rural-to-urban migration, reduced engagement with traditional culture among younger people, limited public exposure, and modest financial incentives for new practitioners.

What educational approaches does the study highlight as important for preservation?

It emphasizes formal education through schools and cultural institutions, informal community workshops and intergenerational mentorship, and adaptive models that integrate digital platforms and community engagement to sustain the tradition in modern society.

Oct 15, 2026

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