Beijing Opera is the most representative of all Chinese traditional dramatic art forms and the largest Chinese opera form. Having a history of about 200 years, it is developed from absorbing(吸收)many other dramatic forms, mostly from the local drama 'Huiban', which was popular in South China during the 18th century. It is a scenic（戏剧的）art integrating music, performance, literature, aria, and face painting.

    Theatrical art forms in many other countries do not present singing, dancing and spoken parts in one single drama. An opera singer, for example, neither dances nor speaks on stage; there are no singing or dancing parts in a modern play; in a dance drama, the dancer has no speaking role and does not sing either. Traditional Chinese drama, including Beijing Opera, is a kind of entertainment which includes spoken parts, singing, dancing and acrobatics.

    In addition to its presence in China, Beijing Opera has spread to many other places. Mer Lanfang, one of the most famous performers(表演者)of all time, was the first to introduce Beijing Opera to foreigners and made highly successful tours to foreign countries.

    “You will be puzzled(困惑)all the way through and a little bored from time to time; but you will be charmed and interested. You will be strongly attracted to Beijing Opera even if you know nothing of the dramatic background. "This is how one American traveller described his firs experience in watching Beijing Opera.

    Beijing Opera is China's national opera and it is full of Chinese cultural traditions. Welcome to China and enjoy Beijing Opera!