An actor performs Sichuan Opera at Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 19, 2012. Popular in Sichuan, Chongqing and Yunnan, Sichuan Opera has about 300 years of history. It features different singing styles from the eastern provinces of Jiangsu and Jiangxi, the northwestern folk song melodies of Shaanxi, and singing in the Sichuan dialect. High-speed trains linking Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, and Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, will begin operation on Dec. 6, authorities said Sunday. With a new train diagram to be put into operation at the end of this year, travel time between the two cities will be slashed by about 7 hours to just 3 hours and 27 minutes. The train service will provide a new choice for tourists to the two provinces. (Xinhua/Xue Yubin)