Peking Opera amateurs take center satge

They have no professional training, yet they show great talent in a traditional art that often requires a lifetime of training. They are nicknamed, Piaoyou, the name given amateur Peking Opera singers. Some are mere toddlers. The Piaoyou learned their skills from attending theaters, or imitating performances they've seen on TV.

Some participate in small groups. All are driven by their enthusiasm for the traditional art. Over a hundred Piaoyou take center stage, at the Peking Opera Amateur Contest, sponsored by China Central Television.

This year's event features both old and young. Zou from Hong Kong is in his mid-eighties. He is the eldest competitor. He had to learn Mandarin at the same time as he was learning to perform Peking Opera.

Zou says the opera captivated him more than half a century ago.

4-year-old Su Shuaiwen is the youngest contestant. He acquired his skill watching VCDs.