Peking Opera, the most popular, influential and typical opera in China, has a history of over 200 years. It highlights both singing and dancing, together with martial arts skills and fictitious movements.

In addition, its peculiar forms of singing, reciting and acting have influenced other forms of opera. The roles in Peking Opera cover male roles, female roles, "painted-face" roles and clowns. Legends and stories from history make up most of the repertoire.

Famous male role actors include Tan Xinpei, Yu Shuyan, Yan Jupeng, Ma Lianliang and Zhou Xinfang; ante the four most famous names in female roles are Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu. Shang Xiaoyun and Xun Huisheng.