The reason why Tang Yan was able to enter the Central Academy of Drama (Chinese Opera) at the age of 16 is that she has corresponding artistic expertise and talent, and passed the professional examination of Chinese Opera. Specifically, when Tang Yan took the Chinese Opera Art Examination, he passed the performance examination of the school and was finally admitted.

For most students, taking the college entrance examination is a way to enter Chinese opera, but it is not the only choice. In addition to registering for Chinese opera through the college entrance examination, students can also enter Chinese opera through the following channels:

1. Take the art entrance exam: If students are good at art, they can get tickets for Chinese opera by taking the art entrance exam related to their major. For example, the joint entrance examination for performance majors usually includes exams for vocal music, dance and performance.

2. Take school exams: China Opera Association regularly organizes school exams, and only students who pass the school exams can obtain admission qualifications. School examination usually includes initial examination and second examination, involving professional knowledge and skill display.

3. Recommended exemption: Students who have achieved remarkable results in a certain field can enter the Chinese opera without the recommendation of the school or relevant institutions. For example, Tang Yan entered the Chinese opera by recommending an exemption.

It should be noted that Chinese opera, as a top art college, has very high requirements for candidates. Candidates not only need to have solid artistic basic skills and professional skills, but also need to have high comprehensive quality and cultural literacy. Therefore, no matter which way you choose to enter the Chinese opera, candidates need to make careful preparations and strive to improve their professional quality and comprehensive quality.