The music of Peking opera can be divided into two styles – Xipi (西皮) and Erhuang (二黄). While it may never return to its glory days, Peking opera remains an important aspect of Chinese culture.įor a great introduction into Peking opera, check out this short video from China Matters:

Reforms have been undertaken to try and attract audiences. For a variety of reasons, Peking opera has declined in popularity in recent decades. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China with the Communist victory, this art form was derided as being “feudalistic.” It was replaced by revolutionary model operas to serve as propaganda. It caught on in popularity, especially after the Empress Dowager Cixi became a huge fan. Unlike other traditional forms of Chinese opera, this new style simplified things with only a few voices and singing patterns. The blending of these two styles gradually led to the formation of a new style that came to be known as Peking opera. Several years later, other opera troupes from Hubei visited the capital and performed with the groups from Anhui. A few famous troupes of Anhui opera (徽剧 – huī jù) traveled to Beijing to perform. A performance in a village outside of Beijing.īack in 1790, the Emperor Qianlong was celebrating his 80th birthday.

China peking opera theater