Beijing Opera

history | painting meaning | instruments | in ancient times |
main roles | Piao You | artists | time and player
Beijing Opera tour

Beijing Opera Information
Beijing opera, more commonly known as Peking opera to westerners, is deemed the national opera of China. The accompanying music, singing and costumes are all fascinating and artistic. Full of Chinese cultural facts, the opera presents to the audience an encyclopedia of Chinese culture as well as unfolding stories, beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and acrobatic fighting.

Beijing opera has an over 200-year history.
The main melodies originated from Xipi and Erhuang, in Anhui and Hubei respectively and over time techniques from many other local operas were incorporated.

Beijing Opera, or jing ju (in Chinese), which is a synthesis of grace, voice, discipline, and physical agility. Over the course of history, contrary to its name, Beijing Opera has incorporated musical melodies from operas throughout China. Although it was originally a form of local theatre in north China, it was now won enormous popularity among people all over the country. Beijing and Tianjin are regarded as the hotspots in the north and Shanghai in the south.

Where to enjoy Beijing Opera?
Liyuan Theater inside Qianmen Hotel in Beijing is an ideal place for you to enjoy some Beijing Opera. Comfortable amenities are provided for only 40, for an additional 60 you can get a vantage and the cheapest seat is only 20.

Beijing Opera in Young Chinese
Since 1978, Beijing Opera has largely lost out to the younger generation and rise of popular entertainment. Its audience comprises of elder people, who were young at the height of the art. There are movements to restore this and other performance arts. The Chinese Opera journal sponsors the Plum Blossom Award for artists younger than 45 years old who perform on the Beijing stage.

History of Beijing Opera
Beijing opera has an over 200-year history. More ...

What is the Facial Painting mean?
The paintings are presentations of roles' characters, for example, a red face usually depicts the role's bravery, uprightness. More...

What are the main roles in Beijing Opera?
The Character roles are divided into four main types: Sheng(male); Dan(female); Jing(Painted face) and Chou (clown) More...

What are music instruments used in Beijing opera?
The Peking Opera band mainly consists of orchestra band and percussion band. More...

Beijing opera in ancient times
In the ancient times, Peking Opera was performed mostly on open-air stages in markets, streets, teahouses or temple courtyards. More...

What is Piao you and Piao fang
"piao you" means Peking opera fans, More...

Eminent Beijing Opera artists
Among them were Tan Xinpei, Yang Xiaolou, Yu Shuyan and Mei Lanfang.
More...

Time, Player and Title
1910-1917 : Tan Xinpei, Sun Juxian, Wang Xiaolong ...
1917-1937 : Yu Shuyan, Gao Qingkui More...