Chinese Opera is China's national essence. It is a unique style of dramatic art forms through singing and dancing to describe a beautiful moving story. Chinese Opera is also the first one entering the international arena, on behalf of the Chinese performing arts, which is known as the national drama in China's Hong Kong and Taiwan area. One American said: "If China does not have Chinese opera, I will not recognize China any more."

The history of Chinese opera –it has a very long history. During the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907), the Emperor Taizong established the first opera school with the poetic name Liyuan (Pear Garden). Since the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) Chinese opera has been encouraged and has become a traditional art form. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), Chinese opera became fashionable among ordinary people. Performances were watched in tearooms, restaurants, and even around makeshift stages.

Facial make-up & costumes- Different styles of facial make-up is one of the most outstanding features and might be the most attraction to foreigners because it is one of the highlights of Chinese opera and requires distinctive techniques of painting. Exaggerated designs are painted on each performer's face to symbolize a character's personality, role, and fate. As to the costumes, they are based on the style of the Ming Dynasty court and civil costumes. They are a garish collection of contrasting colors. Much use of deep red, deep green, white, black, yellow and blue is frequently seen because the stages were originally only lit by oil lamps when Chinese opera was performed. Strong contrasting colors are freely used and the costumes are embroidered in gold, silver and colored threads. Strictly based on the rank, life style and occupation, special costumes have different colors and designs for each role.

Marvelous acrobatics –it is another technique required by the actors in Chinese opera. Players can perform a variety of skills. For example, they can make fire spray out of their mouths when they act as spirits, or can gallop while squatting to act as a dwarf. 'One minute's performance on the stage takes ten years' practice behind the scenes.' can be used to describe the Chinese opera players.

Regional operas -Today, there are over 300 dazzling regional opera styles. Kun opera, which originated around Jiangsu Province, is a typical ancient opera style and features gentleness and clearness. This enabled it to be ranked among the World Oral and Intangible Heritages. Qinqiang opera from Shaanxi, known for its loudness and wildness, and Yu opera, Yue opera, and Huangmei Opera are all very enjoyable. Beijing Opera , the best-known Chinese opera style, was formed from the mingling of these regional styles.

It is concluded that The Chinese opera is a traditional form of stage entertainment, weaving together elements of mime, dance, song, dialogue, swordplay, and acrobatics into one fluid continuous flow. Gestures, movements and expressions incorporated within each performer's script come together to bring forth an impressive performance. In contrast to Western stage entertainment, which is subdivided into different categories such as opera, drama and sketches, Chinese opera has remained faithful to its original format over the centuries.