Yuan Xilin records a short video introduction before the Sichuan Opera theater opens to guests in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 8, 2026. At 34, Yuan Xilin works as a ticket attendant at a Sichuan Opera theater in Chengdu, where he checks tickets, welcomes visitors and helps audiences find their way into the theater.
As Chengdu attracts growing numbers of international visitors interested in traditional Chinese opera and Sichuan Opera, Yuan meets dozens of overseas tourists every day. Hoping to make them feel more at ease, he began learning simple greetings in different languages so he could welcome them in their native tongue.
Yuan's interest in languages began in high school, when he came across a booklet introducing several foreign languages. Drawn to the rhythm of Spanish music and the sound of classical guitar, he developed a particular interest in Spanish.
As China's visa-free transit and other travel facilitation policies have brought more international visitors to the country, Yuan has expanded his language skills from English and Spanish to Italian, French, Portuguese, Russian, Polish and more. What once began with a simple greeting has gradually grown into brief conversations about visitors' experiences in China and introductions to Chengdu's local culture.
For Yuan, language is a bridge between cultures. He believes that even a simple greeting in a visitor's native language can make them feel welcome while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and his own personal growth. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin (L) and his colleague Xu Bin talk before the opening of a Sichuan Opera theater for guests in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin (R) shakes hands with a tourist from Spain after a Sichuan opera performance in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin (1st R) talks with Dutch tourists at a Sichuan opera theater in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin poses for a photo at a Sichuan opera theater in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin (1st R) checks tickets and guides tourists from Italy into the Sichuan Opera theater in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Foreign tourists watch a performance at a Sichuan opera theater in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Sichuan Opera performers perform face-changing on stage in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin opens the door of a Sichuan Opera theater to prepare for welcoming guests in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin studies Spanish in a café in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin studies Spanish at a café in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Yuan Xilin studies Spanish in a café in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
