Zhang Kunrong shows an apprentice how to wave a leather dragon in Haining, Zhejiang province, Nov 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

It's not easy for a person to stick to one thing for over six decades, requiring a lot commitment and persistence.

But Zhang Kunrong, 80, from Haining, Zhejiang province, has dedicated nearly 70 years to his chosen time-honored art.

Shadow play is an ancient form of storytelling, usually accompanied by local popular tunes from string and drum instruments. Haining shadow play has a history of approximately 1,000 years.

Zhang started to learn the art when he was only a teenager. At the age of 18, he was recruited by the Zhejiang Shadow Play Troupe and began his career as a professional shadow play performer.

Zhang colors leather figures for shadow plays in Haining, Zhejiang, Nov 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Zhang has adapted many classical plays for his audiences in order to make the art more popular among the public. The improved plays have won affection from not only local residents, but also overseas fans. His works have so far been staged in over 70 countries and he himself was honored as a national inheritor of the shadow play art in 2011.

Today Zhang is continuing with his promotional work, remaining active on stage and putting on plays with his apprentices. At the same time, he is also working on more plays, most of which are reflections of modern development.

"I am the person who is not only inheriting an old folk art, but who is also a witness to the development of times. What I want to do now is to create more shadow plays for the new era," said Zhang.

Zhang performs a shadow play with his apprentices in Haining, Zhejiang province, Nov 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]