For the most part, Chinese Opera was performed for entertainment purposes. What started as a simple song and dance performance has slowly evolved. We will also share with you the different types and how Chinese opera and how it differentiates from western opera. To help you better understand Chinese opera, this post will cover, what its purpose is and what is involved in the performance. By the Yuan dynasty, Xiqu had become a traditional art form for court officials and emperors and in the Qing dynasty, it became fashionable even to the ordinary people.Įven today, Chinese opera is considered a national essence and an important part of Chinese culture and tradition. Performers who attended the school were referred to as the disciples of the Pear Garden. An opera school by the poetic name Liyuan which translates to Pear Garden was opened during the Tang dynasty by emperor Taizong. The roots of this form of musical theatre can be traced back to the earlier periods of Chinese history. Known as Xiqu in Chinese, this form of art is considered one of the world’s three oldest dramatic art forms.

Even today, foreigners visiting China, don’t fail to attend a performance, especially opera lovers. The Chinese Opera is considered an ancient art form with a charm that’s endured all these years.

Instrument in a chinese opera