• National Second-Class Actor at the Shanghai Peking Opera Company, specializing in the Zhang (Junqiu) school of qingyi (virtuous and graceful female roles).

Education and Career:

In 2004, Cai Xiaoying was admitted to the Shanghai Theater Academy’s Traditional Chinese Opera Performance program without an entrance exam due to her exceptional talent. She joined the Shanghai Peking Opera Company in 2008. With her natural intelligence, diligence, and dedication, she has become an outstanding young performer known for her clear, resonant voice with a broad range, elegant stage presence, steady performance style, and refined acting skills. Her artistry balances literary and martial roles.

Mentors:

Cai has studied under prominent artists such as Yu Yonghua, Guo Zhongli, Shen Qilang, Wang Wanhua, Chen Xiaoyan, Wang Zhiquan, Zhang Xueming, Liang Guyin, Cai Yinglian, Li Bingshu, Xia Huihua, Shi Yihong, and more. In 2011, she formally became a second-generation disciple of the Zhang school under Xue Yaping.

Frequently Performed Works:

• Peking Opera: Qin Xianglian, The Village of Hu, At the Riverside Pavilion, The Poetry Meeting, Yang Yanzhao Visits His Mother, The Red-Maned Horse, The Couple in the Spring and Autumn Period, The Golden Mountain Temple, The Broken Bridge, Sacrificing at the Pagoda, The Palace of Eternal Sorrow, The Orphan of Zhao, Mu Ke Village, The Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers, Judging Dou E, The Temple of the Law, Exploring Three Complexities, The Sword of Flowers, Romance of the Western Chamber, Jade Hall Spring, and Fishermen’s Revenge.

• Kunqu Opera: Wandering in the Garden, Searching for the Dream, Dream of Zhaojun Going Beyond the Frontier, Butterfly Dream.

Awards and Recognitions:

• First Prize at the “New Sprout Cup” Children’s Peking Opera Competition.

• “Zhang School Rising Star” title at the 85th Anniversary of Zhang Junqiu’s Birth Celebration.

• First Prize in the “Ant Strength Cup” Peking Opera Competition.

• Silver Award at the 7th National Youth Peking Opera Television Competition.

Cai Xiaoying is regarded as a highly talented and promising performer in the Peking Opera community, with a repertoire that spans classical and contemporary styles.