Ghaffar Pourazar performs Peking Opera in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Ke)

　　Editor's note: The hope for the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, with grassroots connections as its foundation. While the two countries have experienced ups and downs in their bilateral ties, it is the enduring friendship between their peoples that has consistently infused warmth and momentum into this relationship. As Jan. 1 marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, Xinhua is releasing a series of stories highlighting Americans who deeply appreciate Chinese culture and work actively to bridge the differences between the two nations.

　　BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- The global success of China's acclaimed game “Black Myth: Wukong“ has introduced the enchanting tale of Sun Wukong, or the Monkey King, to audiences worldwide. But for Ghaffar Pourazar, a British-American dual citizen living in California, this legendary figure has been a part of his identity for decades.

　　Seated before the backstage mirror at Beijing's Liyuan Theater, an old Peking Opera venue especially popular among foreign travelers, Pourazar deftly applies white, red and black paint to his face, transforming it into the vibrant likeness of the mischievous Monkey King.

　　“How time flies! Look at you, an old monkey now!“ remarks an elderly from the opera troupe. “Indeed, I am now a white-haired Monkey King,“ Pourazar, 63, replies in Mandarin, his distinctive Beijing accent evident.