Beijing Opera | Peking Opera

        Peking opera or Beijing opera is a form of traditional Chinese theatre which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. It arose in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognized by the mid-19th century. The form was extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China. Major performance troupes are based in Beijing and Tianjin in the north, and Shanghai in the south.The art form is also preserved in Taiwan, where it is known as Guoju. It has also spread to other countries such as the United States and Japan.

    

        With its fascinating and artistic music, singing and costumes, the Beijing Opera (Peking opera) is China's national opera. Full of Chinese cultural traditions and tidbits, the opera presents the audience with touching stories, beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and martial arts as well as combining stylized action, singing, dialogue, acrobatic fighting and dancing to explain ancient Chinese myths and historical stories or depict various different characters, good or bad.Nowadays, appreciting an authentic Beijing Opera Show in famous Liyuan Theater is a must-do when you are traveling in Beijing.

                                                                                                                        

                                                    

                                       

        It is believed that Beijing Opera gradually came into being after 1790 when the four famous Anhui opera troupes came to Beijing. Beijing Opera underwent fast development during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi and eventually became more accessible to the common people. Although it is called Peking Opera, its main melodies primarily originated from Xipi, Anhui and Erhuang, Hubei. The dialogue used for the opera is an archaic dialect that also has roots from those regions. Over time, various music and arias from other musical art forms were absorbed. It was partly this process of taking the cream of the crop of musical styles that contributed to Peking Opera 's success.

The famous heroine Mu Guiying in traditional Beijing opera

The leading Character of "Royal Concubine Yang of the Tang Dynasty"

        In ancient times, Beijing Opera was performed mostly on stage in the open air, teahouses, or temple courtyards. Since the orchestra played loudly, the performers developed a piercing style of song that could be heard by everyone. The costumes were a garish collection of sharply contrasting colors to stand out on the dim stage that was illuminated only by oil lamps. It is also a visual art from that integrates music, actor 's performances, literature, aria, and face-painting. The rules for Beijing Opera have been standardized and must be followed strictly. Only the very top actors and musicians can ever perform in a big time show.

Chinese Beauty Television Host：Yan Liu

Chinese Kung Fu

Discover Chinese Kungfu

If you have never heard Chinese Kung Fu before, you must come from another planet! Thanks to lots of international Kung Fu movies and stars, Kung Fu, as a national treasure of Chinese culture, has been spread all over the world and become a universal attraction. Now, when talking about it, thousands of fans can blurt out several names, like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Kung Fu and Wu Shu, as Chinese national treasure, are popular terms that have become synonymous with Chinese martial arts. The origins of Chinese martial arts can be traced to self-defense needs, hunting activities, and military training in ancient China. Hand to hand combat and weapons practice were important components in the training of Chinese soldiers. It reigns as one of the most traditional and popular national sports in China, practiced by the young and old alike. Eventually, Chinese martial arts have developed into an important element of Chinese culture.

It includes hundreds of different styles and is undoubtedly the most versatile martial art in the world. Some of the Chinese martial arts styles still practiced today are in the Kung Fu family and include Bagua, Drunken Boxing, Eagle Claw, Lau Gar, Monkey, Praying Mantis, White Crane, and Tai Chi Chuan, etc. Some styles are copied from the movements of animals, while others are inspired by Chinese philosophical thoughts, myths, and legends.

                                                                    
                        Chinese Kung fu is usually very mysterious to outsiders, also being very attractive.

           
Chinese Kung fu, as a national treasure, spreads to the whole world through medias.

Depth-Introdution to Chinese Kung Fu

Chinese martial arts can be classified in two major categories. They are External (soft) and Internal (hard). Sometimes, they are divided by location, Northern & Southern. Each category is distinct in style and technique. Apart from general classification, modern contests or performances are divided into six categories. These are empty-handed forms, weapon forms, choreographed forms, group practice, sparring competition, and power demonstration. Four general steps can describe all the various techniques of these arts; kicking, throwing, striking and controlling.

As forms have grown in complexity and quantity over the years, the emphasis of modern martial arts has shifted from combat to performance. It is practiced for improving health, self-defense skills, mental discipline, or recreational pursuit. The styles primarily aimed at exhibition and competition often include more acrobatic jumps and movements added for enhanced visual effect compared to the traditional styles.

        

                

For girls, practising Martial Arts can be used for fitness and self-defence.

                                                        

                                                       Shaolin Kung fu is a key branch of Chinese Kung fu.