Chinese opera has existed for over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest continually changing art forms in the world. It draws together influences from different periods and cultures, making it a living museum of Chinese culture.
Variety of performance forms
There are over 360 types of Chinese opera in China, each with its own unique features and characteristics. The styles, stories, and themes vary greatly from one region to another.
Exaggerated stage makeup and costumes
The rich and flamboyant stage makeup and costumes of Chinese opera contribute to the vivid portrayal of characters and emotions onstage.
Symbolic gestures
Chinese opera involves a sophisticated symbolic movement language. For instance, a simple head movement can indicate the change of time, space and scenery, a wave of a sleeve conveys a complex emotion or a shift in the plot, while the use of fan as a prop can mean more than 20 different meanings.
Traditional music
The music of Chinese opera is another highlight of the art form, combining traditional Chinese folk music, classical music, and singing techniques. Different operatic genres have their unique musical styles.