A. Early Beginnings

The origins of Peking Opera can be traced back to the 18th century. It was a result of the convergence of various regional opera forms in Beijing. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, local operas from Anhui Province, known as "Anhui Opera," were brought to Beijing to celebrate the emperor's birthday. These Anhui Opera troupes gradually integrated elements from other local operas, such as Hubei Opera, and absorbed the musical and performing styles of Beijing's local folk arts. Over time, a new and distinctive opera form began to take shape, laying the foundation for Peking Opera.

B. Development in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

In the 19th century, Peking Opera entered a period of rapid development and flourishing. Professional opera troupes were established, and they performed regularly in theaters in Beijing. The art form continued to refine its performance style, improving the music, acting, and stage design. Famous actors emerged during this period, such as Cheng Changgeng, who was known for his masterful portrayal of "Laosheng" (old male) roles. His performances set high standards for the acting and singing techniques in Peking Opera, influencing generations of actors to come.

During the early 20th century, amid social and cultural changes, Peking Opera artists began to explore new themes and performance styles. They incorporated elements of Western drama and realism into their works, while still maintaining the traditional essence of Peking Opera. This period saw the creation of many innovative plays that reflected the modern Chinese society and the aspirations of the people.

C. Modern Era

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Peking Opera received strong government support. Professional opera schools were established to train new talents, and research institutions were set up to study and preserve the art form. New plays were continuously created, covering a wide range of themes, including historical stories, revolutionary events, and modern social issues. These plays not only entertained the audience but also played an educational role, promoting national pride and social progress.

In the late 20th century and into the 21st century, with the advancement of technology and the increasing globalization of culture, Peking Opera has embraced new opportunities for development. It has been introduced to international audiences through performances abroad, cultural exchange programs, and online platforms. At the same time, it continues to innovate at home, combining traditional elements with modern music, stage effects, and storytelling techniques to attract younger generations and keep the art form vibrant and relevant.

A. Provinces and Cities

· Beijing: As the birthplace and cultural center of Peking Opera, Beijing is home to numerous renowned opera troupes and theaters. The Liyuan Theatre and the Chang'an Grand Theatre are well - known venues for high - quality Peking Opera performances. These theaters attract both local audiences and tourists from around the world, showcasing the best of Peking Opera art.

· Shanghai: Shanghai, as a major cultural and economic hub in China, also has a thriving Peking Opera scene. There are several professional opera troupes in the city, and they often perform in large theaters and cultural venues. Shanghai's unique cultural atmosphere has influenced the development of Peking Opera in the region, creating a distinct style that combines traditional Peking Opera elements with local cultural characteristics.

· Tianjin: Tianjin is another important city for Peking Opera. It has a long history of Peking Opera performance and a large number of opera fans. The city's opera troupes are known for their high - level performances and innovative approaches. Tianjin also hosts various Peking Opera festivals and competitions, which attract talented actors from all over the country and promote the exchange and development of Peking Opera art.

B. Scenic Spots and Cultural Venues

· Peking Opera Museum in Beijing: This museum is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Peking Opera. It houses a vast collection of costumes, props, musical instruments, historical documents, and photographs related to Peking Opera. Visitors can learn about the history, development, and artistic characteristics of Peking Opera through multimedia displays, guided tours, and interactive exhibits. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages, allowing them to experience the charm of Peking Opera firsthand.

· Huguang Guild Hall in Beijing: Huguang Guild Hall is a historic building that has a long - standing relationship with Peking Opera. It was once a gathering place for Peking Opera artists and a venue for performances and training. Today, it has been restored and transformed into a cultural complex that includes a theater, exhibition halls, and a research center. Visitors can watch traditional Peking Opera performances in the theater, explore the exhibition halls to learn about the history of Peking Opera at Huguang Guild Hall, and participate in cultural activities and workshops.

· Shanghai Peking Opera Art Center: Located in Shanghai, this art center is a modern cultural venue dedicated to Peking Opera. It features a state - of - the - art theater with advanced stage equipment and acoustics, providing a high - quality performance environment for Peking Opera artists. The art center also has exhibition spaces, training rooms, and a library, offering a comprehensive experience for visitors interested in Peking Opera. It hosts regular performances, lectures, and cultural exchange activities, promoting the development and dissemination of Peking Opera in Shanghai and beyond.

A. Music and Singing

Peking Opera music is characterized by its rich and diverse melodies. The main musical instruments include the jinghu (a two - stringed bowed instrument with a high - pitched sound), the yueqin (a plucked string instrument), and the dizi (a bamboo flute). The music is often based on traditional Chinese musical scales and rhythms, with a strong sense of harmony and contrast.

The singing style of Peking Opera is highly stylized and requires years of training. Singers use a unique vocal technique called "false voice" or "head voice" to produce a clear, resonant, and melodious sound. There are different singing methods for different roles. For example, "Laosheng" roles usually sing in a deep and sonorous voice, expressing wisdom and dignity, while "Dan" (female) roles have a more flexible and sweet voice, conveying tenderness and emotion.

B. Acting and Gestures

The acting in Peking Opera is highly symbolic and stylized, focusing on expressing the inner emotions of the characters through exaggerated gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. Unlike Western drama, which emphasizes realism, Peking Opera actors use a set of conventionalized movements to convey meaning. For example, a circular arm movement can represent riding a horse, while a series of quick steps can indicate running.

Eye movements are also an essential part of Peking Opera acting. Actors use their eyes to communicate with the audience and other characters on stage, expressing a wide range of emotions such as love, hatred, surprise, and fear. A piercing gaze can create a sense of tension, while a soft and gentle look can convey affection.

C. Unique Performance Elements

· Acrobatics and Martial Arts: Peking Opera often incorporates acrobatics and martial arts into its performances, adding excitement and spectacle to the stage. Actors are trained in various acrobatic skills, such as somersaults, flips, and high - kicks, which are used to depict battle scenes, chase sequences, and other action - packed moments. The combination of acrobatics and martial arts with singing and acting creates a unique and thrilling performance style that is characteristic of Peking Opera.

· Symbolic Props: Peking Opera uses a number of symbolic props to enhance the performance and convey meaning. For example, a horse whip represents a horse, a sedan chair represents transportation, and a flag represents an army. These props are used in a highly stylized way, and actors manipulate them with precision and grace to create visual effects and tell the story.

A. Costumes

· Design and Materials: Peking Opera costumes are designed to be visually striking and symbolic, reflecting the status, personality, and role of the characters. They are usually made from rich and colorful materials such as silk, brocade, and satin. The costumes often feature elaborate patterns and decorations, including embroidery, beading, and painting, which add to their artistic value.

· Types of Costumes: There are different types of costumes for different roles. For "Sheng" (male lead) roles, the costumes vary depending on the character's age, status, and profession. A young scholar may wear a simple long gown with a scholar's hat, while a general may wear a suit of armor with a helmet. For "Dan" (female) roles, the costumes are more diverse and colorful. A "Hua Dan" (young female) may wear a short - sleeved dress with bright colors and floral patterns, while a "Qing Yi" (mature female) may wear a long - sleeved gown with a more subdued color scheme, representing dignity and elegance.

B. Facial Makeup

· Symbolism and Meanings: Peking Opera facial makeup is highly symbolic, used to represent the characteristics and personalities of the characters. Different colors and patterns on the face have specific meanings. For example, a red face usually represents loyalty and bravery, a black face represents integrity and impartiality, and a white face often represents cunning and treachery. The shape and size of the patterns also convey additional information about the character's temperament and fate.

· Patterns and Styles: The facial makeup patterns are diverse and complex, especially for "Jing" (painted - face) roles. The makeup for "Jing" roles is more elaborate, with bold lines and vivid colors to create a striking visual effect. For "Sheng" and "Dan" roles, the facial makeup is relatively simpler, mainly used to enhance the natural beauty of the actors and highlight their gentle and kind characteristics.

C. Appearance and Hairstyles

· Female characters: Female characters in Peking Opera often have elaborate hairstyles. They may wear hairpins, flowers, and jeweled ornaments to add to their beauty. The hairstyles vary depending on the age and status of the character. For example, a young girl may have a high ponytail with colorful ribbons, while a noblewoman may have a complex updo with multiple hairpins and a headdress.

· Male characters: Male characters' hairstyles are relatively simpler but still have their own characteristics. They usually have their hair neatly combed and tied back, with a headband or a hat in some cases to show their status or personality. Warriors may wear helmets or headgear with feathers to add a sense of heroism.

A. Costumes

· Design and Materials: Peking Opera costumes are designed to be visually striking and symbolic, reflecting the status, personality, and role of the characters. They are usually made from rich and colorful materials such as silk, brocade, and satin. The costumes often feature elaborate patterns and decorations, including embroidery, beading, and painting, which add to their artistic value.

· Types of Costumes: There are different types of costumes for different roles. For "Sheng" (male lead) roles, the costumes vary depending on the character's age, status, and profession. A young scholar may wear a simple long gown with a scholar's hat, while a general may wear a suit of armor with a helmet. For "Dan" (female) roles, the costumes are more diverse and colorful. A "Hua Dan" (young female) may wear a short - sleeved dress with bright colors and floral patterns, while a "Qing Yi" (mature female) may wear a long - sleeved gown with a more subdued color scheme, representing dignity and elegance.

B. Facial Makeup

· Symbolism and Meanings: Peking Opera facial makeup is highly symbolic, used to represent the characteristics and personalities of the characters. Different colors and patterns on the face have specific meanings. For example, a red face usually represents loyalty and bravery, a black face represents integrity and impartiality, and a white face often represents cunning and treachery. The shape and size of the patterns also convey additional information about the character's temperament and fate.

· Patterns and Styles: The facial makeup patterns are diverse and complex, especially for "Jing" (painted - face) roles. The makeup for "Jing" roles is more elaborate, with bold lines and vivid colors to create a striking visual effect. For "Sheng" and "Dan" roles, the facial makeup is relatively simpler, mainly used to enhance the natural beauty of the actors and highlight their gentle and kind characteristics.

C. Appearance and Hairstyles

· Female characters: Female characters in Peking Opera often have elaborate hairstyles. They may wear hairpins, flowers, and jeweled ornaments to add to their beauty. The hairstyles vary depending on the age and status of the character. For example, a young girl may have a high ponytail with colorful ribbons, while a noblewoman may have a complex updo with multiple hairpins and a headdress.

· Male characters: Male characters' hairstyles are relatively simpler but still have their own characteristics. They usually have their hair neatly combed and tied back, with a headband or a hat in some cases to show their status or personality. Warriors may wear helmets or headgear with feathers to add a sense of heroism.