Peking Opera (京剧) is a synthesis of song, speech, dance, and martial arts with elaborate costumes, stylized makeup, and hypnotic music.
The Four Skills
Singing (唱): Nasal vocal style in ancient Xian dialect.
Speaking (念): Speech as performance.
Acting (做): Stylized movement and mime.
Martial Arts (打): Acrobatics and weapon work.
Face Paint
Red indicates loyalty; black indicates integrity; white suggests treachery; gold and silver indicate gods or spirits.
Explore more in our Chinese Culture Complete Guide.