Chinese director Zhang Yimou may not have plans to make any more films this year, but he will not idle away his time as tries his hand at directing Peking opera.

Zhang is adapting a story from "Zuozhuan" which is among the earliest Chinese works of narrative history covering the period 722 BC-468 BC. His opera production is scheduled for release in December.

It is not the first time that the multitalented director has become involved in projects other than movies. Zhang directed the ballet "Raise the Red Lantern" which was adapted from his movie of the same name. In 2008, he helmed the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

Zhang was off to a bad start earlier this year when his latest film "The Flowers of War" failed to win an Oscar award. There were also reports that he planned to break up with his longtime partner Zhang Weiping. Now after decades of working on films, Zhang's new endeavor could possibly hold some surprises in store for audiences.