Beijing (Peking) Opera, A Traditional Performing Art of China

History of Peking Opera

Known as the national opera of China, Peking (Beijing) Opera is the most influential and representative of all the operas in China, and one of the three main theatrical systems in the world. Peking Opera could be dated back to 1840s, 170 years ago. Based upon traditional Anhui Opera, Peking Opera has also adopted repertoire, music and performing techniques from Kun Opera and Qingqiang Opera as well as traditional folk tunes. It took the best from each style and eventually formed its own highly stylized music and performing techniques.

Features of Peking Opera

Peking Opera is a blend of music, dance, art, acrobatics, and martial arts. With its beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, and graceful gestures, Peking opera has developed into a comprehensive art. Filled with many aspects of Chinese cultural, Peking opera presents the audience with an encyclopedia of Chinese culture. Its repertoire includes historical plays, comedies, tragedies and farces. The facial makeup of Peking Opera highlights and exaggerates the principal features of the characters. One major characteristic of Peking Opera is the colors painted on the face of a character. It is vital to the understanding of a play. This is a feature unique to Chinese opera.

Intangible Cultural Heritages of China

Beijing Opera has been listed as Intangible Cultural Heritages of China May 20th, 2006, which proves the importance of the Opera in Chinese cultures.

Peking Opera, also known as Beijing Opera, is an enjoyable traditional Chinese folk art. For anyone who gets the chance to visit China, it worth watching the ancient shows for one night; for those who like the art but cannot come to China, my best suggestion is Peking Opera, a website introducing the attractive art with so many lively pictures.