Through Kunqu Opera, Cheng Ting-yi has explored a larger landscape of Chinese culture by moving from Taiwan to the Chinese mainland to seek the roots of the ancient art, fostering a sense of pride in his identity as Chinese.

Cheng, now a doctoral student at Beijing Normal University, said there is a craze for "China chic" among younger consumers including those in Taiwan who prefer products or entertainment with Chinese cultural elements, reading Chinese classics and wearing traditional attire.

"The motivating force behind the trend must be that China is rising on the world's stage. We have confidence in our nation. That's why we want to explore the nation's past to learn about the splendid history and glorious culture," he added.