In 2014, Han played the role of Xiangzi in the Chinese opera, Rickshaw Boy, which was produced by the NCPA, working with composer Guo Wenjing. Since then, Han has performed in opera productions by the NCPA.

Now, living in Shanghai and singing with the Shanghai Opera House, Han just wrapped up his tour in the opera Tosca, a coproduction by the NCPA, Shanghai Opera House, and Shaanxi Grand Theatre.

He is doing rehearsals for the Chinese opera, Janger, produced by the Inner Mongolia Art Theatre and adapted from the Mongolian epic Janger, which will premiere this November.

"One of the greatest satisfactions as a tenor that I have is when I walk off the stage and I know that I have given my all. When I look back, it still feels like a dream for me, from an athlete to a tenor," says Han.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn