Peking Opera (Jīngjù) — Roles, Makeup, Music & How to Watch
Peking Opera (京剧 Jīngjù) blends singing, speech, dance-like movement, and martial arts. Even if you don’t speak Chinese, the bold makeup, stylized gestures, and live percussion make it exciting for au pairs and students. This guide shows what to look for and how to enjoy your first show.
Jīngjù vs. Sichuan Opera (Quick Note)
Chengdu is famous for Sichuan Opera (川剧) with face-changing and comedic sketches. Peking Opera is a different national style you can also find in large theaters and touring programs. Expect formal singing, historical stories, and more symbolic movement.
The Four Main Role Types
Shēng (生) — Male roles
- Laosheng: dignified older men with gentle, steady voices.
- Xiaosheng: young scholars/warriors; agile movement, bright tone.
Dàn (旦) — Female roles
- Qingyi: noble, elegant heroines with refined singing.
- Huadan: lively young women; playful and quick.
Jìng (净) — Painted-face roles
- Bold colors & patterns signal personality (loyal, fierce, cunning).
- Powerful singing; strong, deliberate poses.
Chǒu (丑) — Comic roles
- White patch on the nose; witty asides and acrobatics.
- Often breaks tension with jokes or clever tricks.
Makeup, Costumes & What Colors Mean
- Red = loyalty/bravery; black = integrity/straightforward; white = cunning/treachery.
- Headdresses and embroidered robes show rank (officials, generals, nobles).
- Long “water sleeves” flow to express emotion—watch the flicks and circles for joy, anger, or sorrow.
Music & Sound Cues
- Jinghu (two-string fiddle) leads the melody; piercing, expressive tone.
- Percussion (drum, clappers, gongs) drives action—fast rolls = chase/battle; crisp claps = entrances or turns.
- Two vocal modes to notice: recitative speech-singing and lyrical arias.
How to “Read” the Stage
- Minimal props: A table and two chairs can be a palace, mountain, or boat—watch the actor’s mime.
- Walking in circles may mean a long journey; whip + shout = riding a horse.
- Flags on the back suggest generals and battlefield scenes.
- Slow motion & poses freeze key emotions—applause is welcome after big highlights.
Beginner-Friendly Excerpts to Look For
- “Drunken Beauty” (贵妃醉酒): graceful sleeves, expressive solo performance.
- “Farewell My Concubine” (霸王别姬) excerpts: tragic romance with striking costumes.
- Combat highlights from historical plays—acrobatics and weapon choreography.
Short highlights programs are great for first-timers—several famous scenes in one evening.
Tickets, Subtitles & Seating
- Run time: Highlights 60–90 mins; full plays 2–3 hrs with intermission.
- Subtitles: Many theaters use side screens (Chinese, sometimes English). Bring a small opera synopsis to follow along.
- Seats: Mid-front lets you see facial detail; balconies offer a good view of sleeve work and formations.
Etiquette & Good Habits
- Arrive early; late seating may wait for a pause.
- Photos are often restricted during arias—check the announcement.
- Applaud after big poses, high notes, and acrobatic runs.
- Keep phones silent; unwrap snacks before curtain.
Enjoying It Without Chinese
Before the show
- Read a 5-minute summary of the story and main characters.
- Note the color meanings to decode personalities fast.
During the show
- Watch the hands, eyes, and sleeves—they carry the emotion.
- Listen for percussion cues that signal plot turns and entrances.
Simple Night Plan (90 Minutes)
- Arrive 20 min early → skim the program and role types (sheng/dan/jing/chou).
- Watch a highlights program (3–5 scenes) → clap after big poses and acrobatics.
- Post-show tea or dessert → compare favorite makeup and costume details.
Useful Vocabulary
- 京剧 (Jīngjù) — Peking Opera
- 生 / 旦 / 净 / 丑 — sheng / dan / jing / chou (role types)
- 水袖 — water sleeves (long cuffs)
- 京胡 — jinghu (lead fiddle)
- 唱念做打 — sing, speak, act, fight (four skills)
- 行当 — role category
- 折子戏 — highlights/excerpt program
FAQ — Peking Opera
Is it very loud?
Percussion peaks can be loud; bring earplugs if you’re sensitive.
What should I wear?
Smart-casual is fine; theaters are comfortable and family-friendly.
Can kids enjoy it?
Yes—choose a highlights program with acrobatics and bright costumes.
How is it different from Sichuan Opera?
Peking Opera is more formal and historical; Sichuan Opera includes comedic sketches and the famous face-changing.
See Opera with Masons Au Pair
We help you pick beginner-friendly shows, explain the story and role types in 5 minutes, and plan a tea stop after— so your first Peking Opera night is vivid and unforgettable.
Join Our Au Pair Program