Peking Opera(京剧)

Also known as Bejing or Jīngj, Peking opera is the most famous type of Chinese opera and perhaps the most serious. It began in the 18th century and is most synonymous with representing traditional Chinese culture. The stories told in this style are from Chinese history.

Peking opera was created when the 'Four Great Anhui Troupes' brought Hui opera, to Beijing in 1790, for the eightieth birthday of the Qianlong Emperor (Elliot). It was a mix of several other styles but became known for its minimal use of props, technical singing style, emphasis on the skill of the actors, stylized makeup and beautiful clothing such as the colorful dresses for the women's characters, which often feature long scarves known as 'water sleeves'. (Alli)

There are four main types of characters in the Peking Opera: Sheng (gentlemen), Dan (women) , Jing (rough men) and Chou (clowns).

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