Ge Zhaolong, the inheritor of the crafting technique of ancient opera stages in Ninghai, works on his current project. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

An artisan from Ningbo's Ninghai county has been working to create an ancient opera stage in his courtyard.

The artisan is Ninghai native Ge Zhaolong, the inheritor of the crafting technique of ancient opera stages, which have been listed as an intangible cultural heritage item in the county.

The stage Ge is working on is 4 meters in length, width and height and is a replica of an ancient opera stage in the Chenghuang Temple in Ninghai.

The stage, which has more than 5,000 components, is expected to take two years to build. The main frame of the stage has already been completed.

Renowned for its ancient opera stage culture, Ninghai is now home to 125 ancient opera stages, 10 of which are listed as national key cultural relic protection units and have been around since as early as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).                                          

The stage is 4 meters in length, width and height and is a replica of an ancient opera stage in the Chenghuang Temple in Ninghai. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

The stage is expected to cost two years to build. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]