Abstract: Protecting cultural heritage is vital for inheriting the national spirit of China and enhancing cultural confidence, in the context of cultural construction in the new era. As a key genre of Sichuan Opera, Ziyang River School exhibits distinct regional ecological characteristics. The school has formed a unique dynamic inheritance mechanism and diverse artistic expressions. However, this art form faces multiple cultural ecological crises concerning its subjectivity, tangible carriers, and operation. Furthermore, it is confronted with such pressing issues as a broken inheritance chain, shrinking performance spaces, and unsustainable operating costs. XI Jinping’s thought on culture provides scientific guidance for its protection across four dimensions: purpose, direction, practice, and method. Specifically, this framework emphasizes protection in a holistic view, focuses on the Two Integrations (the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities, and the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture). The framework advocates ecological conservation, and encourages creative transformation. Accordingly, strategies should focus on strengthening cultural subjectivity and practicing ecological sustainability. It is also essential to innovate cultural service supply and promote the integration of culture, tourism, and digital technology. The initiative aims to build a solid foundation for the opera’s heritage and identity, coupled with an integrated protection mechanism. In parallel, it will establish a community-participatory governance framework and a modernized conservation model.