Xiqu (Traditional Chinese Theatre)

Xiqu, or traditional Chinese opera, is a vibrant performing art combining music, singing, acting, martial arts, and dance. It employs stylized movements, symbolic costumes, and elaborate make-up to tell stories rooted in Chinese history, folklore, and literature. Prominent forms like Peking opera are known for their highly skilled performers who convey character traits through vocal techniques and physical gestures. Xiqu is both a theatrical spectacle and a cultural tradition that emphasizes aesthetic nuance, expressed through a rich linguistic and artistic vocabulary. It remains a vital part of Chinese cultural heritage, reflecting the nation's artistic history and social values.