Traditional Opera  

Chinese traditional opera is a comprehensive performing art which combines singing, music, dialogue, acrobatics, martial arts, and pantomime. It represents the culmination and distillation of two thousand years of Chinese civilization.
 

 

Chinese traditional opera has a long history which could be dated back to the third century. In the course of the development of the development of Chinese traditional opera, mutual borrowing has taken place among various types of local opera and new forms have appeared continually. Recent surveys show there are 368 different forms of opera throughout the country. Each takes its name from the place where it originated or became popular. The use of local dialects and unique melodies helps people distinguish different types of opera. Among the best known forms are Beijing Opera (actually a national form), Pingju (popular in the north), Shaoxing opera (popular in Zhejiang Province and Shanghai), Yuju (a kind of Henan Opera), Kunqu (Kunshan Opera, popular mainly in Jiangsu Province), Qinqiang (Shaanxi Opera), Chuanju (Sichuan Opera), Hanju (Hubei Opera), and Yueju (Guangzhou Opera). 

 

Acrobatics

The acrobatic art has been existent in China for more than two thousand years. In the long course of development, the Chinese acrobatic art has formed its own style. The ancient acrobatics stemmed from the people's life and had a close link with their life and productive labor. Instruments of labor like tridents, wicker rings, tables, chairs, jars,  plates, and bowls were used in their performances of "Flying Trident", "Balance on Chairs", "Jar Tricks", and "Hoop Diving". Wushu and Lion Dance originated from folk sports and games. All of these acts became commonplace in acrobatic performances throughout China. Though having a long history of development and enjoying great popularity among the people, acrobatics in old China was never performed in theaters because it was looked down upon by the upper class.
 

Since the middle of this century, great efforts to foster and develop national arts and acrobatics have gained a new life. All provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions have set up their own acrobatic troupes. The veteran performers have better opportunities to display their skill. The acrobats in modern China have set up a designing and directing system aimed at creating graceful stage images, harmonious musical accompaniment, and good supporting effects of costumes, props, and lighting in order to bring about a fully developed stage art.

The present status of Chinese acrobatics reflects the industry, resourcefulness, and un daunting courage of the Chinese people.
 

 

 

Traditional Dance and Folk Dance  

The Chinese folk dances are a part of the Chinese traditional culture and the crystallization of their national wisdom with a long history, profound contents, diverse forms and rich colours. They have always been closely connected with the common people's ideas, labour and daily life in their evolution and development for thousands of years, thus formulating a strong connection with the people and faithfully reflecting their ideas and wishes, and accompanying their life journey.
 

 

 

Chinese traditional dance Including Lion Dance, Palace Dance, Ribbon Dance, Dragon Dance, Fan Dance and Sword Dance, etc.
 

Shadow play

Shadow play or shadow puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment using opaque, often articulated figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of moving images. Shadow puppetry originated during the Han Dynasty. In the 13th century, the shadow show became a regular recreation in the barracks of the   Mongolian troops.  It was spread by the conquering Mongols to distant countries like Persia, Arabia, and Turkey. Later, it was introduced to other Southeastern Asian countries. The earliest shadow theatre screens were made of mulberry paper. The   storytellers generally used the art to tell events between various war kingdoms or stories of Buddhist sources. Today, puppets made of leather and moved on sticks are used to tell dramatic versions of traditional fairy tales and myths.  
 

Shadow puppets are also available from certain shops as art souvenirs of the country.