In a hall adorned with some of Beijing's most distinctive intangible cultural heritage items, Elham Arkin, a young Uygur boy from Hotan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, carefully copied every gesture demonstrated by Li Hongyan, a leading Peking Opera artist.

Bathed in the glow of cloisonne vessels, a finely woven palace carpet, and a brightly colored opera costume, Elham practiced singing, sweeping his sleeves, and pacing his steps under Li's gentle instruction.

Li had flown six hours from Beijing to Hotan to mentor him.