Beijing opera is one of the oldest opera art forms in the world. Since the Tang Dynasty, performers of Beijing opera were referred to as“theatrical performers”. During the Qing Dynasty, it became fashionable among ordinary people. Performances were watched in tearooms, restaurants, and even on makeshift stages. Exaggerated designs are painted on each performer's face to symbolize a character's personality, role, and fate. This technique may have originated from ancient religions and dance. Audiences who are familiar with the opera can know the story by observing the characters' facial paintings as well as their costumes.
京劇是世界上最古老的戲劇藝術形式之一。從唐代起,京劇的表演者被稱為“梨園弟子(theatrical performer)”。在清代,它在老百姓中也開始流行。表演是在茶館、飯館,甚至是在臨時搭建的舞臺上進行的。每個演員的臉上畫著夸張的圖案,代表每個人物的性格、角色和命運。這種技藝可能源于古代的宗教和舞蹈。熟悉京劇的觀眾可以通過觀察人物的臉部描繪和服裝來了解故事。