Peking Opera is the cream of the Chinese culture. As a traditional art form, its costumes, facial masks, etc.are very popular among audience. Elaborate and gorgeous facial make-up and costumes are two distinguished characteristics of Peking Opera. Different styles of costumes are used to reflect the identity of different characters. Painting faces with different colors are important ways to portray a character. People can tell a hero from a villain by the colors of the masks.

For a long time, a serious problem Peking Opera has been facing is how to get more people, especially the young generations, to know about, to understand, and to be keen on Peking Opera. The modern society, which is developing fast, has brought people more options for recreation. Under the impacts of movies, TV shows, Internet, etc., most of the young generations show no interest or scarcely have any opportunity to truly feel the charm of Peking Opera. Many of the Peking Opera masters have entered middle or old age, and they are not good at communicating with the young people in the languages or ways they like. Among the young generations, there are few people who have a good understanding of Peking Opera and are willing to spend time or efforts introducing it.

Beijing Opera is the cream of the Chinese culture. As a traditional art form, its costumes and facial mask are more popular with people. Different styles of costumes are used to reflect the status of different characters. There are more decorations in the costumes of nobles，while those of the poor tend to be simple and less elemental. Facial masks can reflect qualities of different characters. Facial masks using different colors are important ways to portray a character. People can tell a hero from a villain by the colors of the masks. In general，white usually represents treachery, black represents righteousness, yellow represents bravery, blue and green represent rebellious fighters，while gold and silver represent divinity and Buddhism.

Sheng, dan, jing, chou are different types of roles in Peking Opera. Sheng is the positive male role, dan the positive female role, jing a supporting male role with a distinctive character, and chou the clown or a negative character. Each type of role wears its own facial make-up and costume that suggest the identity as soon as/the minute/the moment/the instant he/she appears on the stage. One striking characteristic of Peking Opera is the color painted on the face of a character that shows his/her role, destiny, quality, and personality. This is the key to understanding the plot. To put it simply, red is positive, symbolzing loyalty and valor; black, neutral, representing vigor and wisdom; yellow and white, negative, suggesting cruelty and deceptiveness.

Peking Opera (also known as Beijing Opera) is honored as a national treasure. It integrates the aesthetic ideals of traditional Chinese opera, and is widely recognized as an important element of Chinese cultural heritage. Though centered in Beijing, it is found nationwide. Originating from the mid-19th century, Peking Opera integrates Anhui and Han Operas while absorbing artistic advantages of Shaanxi Opera, Kunqu, Bangzi, and Geyang Tune. With a tune pattern predominated by the Xipi and Erhuang, it is typically accompanied by the Huqin, gongs and drums. In 2010, Peking Opera was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Peking Opera has a history of more than 200 years and is the national Opera of China. Compared with other local operas, Peking Opera enjoys a higher reputation, but in fact it combines many elements of local operas. The facial paintings and costumes of the Peking Opera actors are exquisite, while the scenery is simple by comparison. Beijing Opera performers mainly use four skills: singing, reading, doing and fighting. In ancient times, Peking Opera was performed mostly outdoors, so the actors developed a penetrating singing style so that everyone could hear them.

Peking Opera facial makeup is a kind of specialmakeup method with national characteristic. Sinceevery historical figure or a certain type of personhas an approximate style, like singing, playing musicaccording to the music score, it's called “facial makeup”. As to the facial makeup's origin, it isgenerally considered that it's from mask. As one of the favorite arts of the traditional operalovers at home and abroad, Peking Opera facial makeup has been regarded as one of thesymbols of Chinese traditional culture.