Actors rehearse an original Wuxi Opera at the Wuxi Opera Art Center in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]

The Wuxi Opera Art Center in Zhangjiagang, a county-level city in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province started rehearsals for an original opera about Suzhou Embroidery master Shen Shou on Feb 15.

Shen Shou, who lived during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), was hailed as the "queen of embroidery" for her superb skills. She was known for her embroidery techniques that produced realistic images, a contrast to the traditional stylized patterns.

The playwright, director, composer and leading actors of the opera are all renowned experts.

The Wuxi Opera and Suzhou embroidery are both listed as national intangible cultural heritage items.