Beijing : History & Culture : DK Travel

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Jing

Jing have stylized patterned, colored faces, and represent warriors, heroes, statesmen, adventurers, and demons. Not only are these characters the most striking looking but they also usually have the most forceful personalities.
Lao She Teahouse

Daily 90-minute variety shows that include Beijing Opera.
Late 13th century: Marco Polo visits

Under the first emperor of the Mongol Yuan dynasty, Kublai Khan (r. 1260–1294), the city became known as Khanbalik, and was one of twin capitals – the other was Yuanshangdu, or Xanadu – of the largest empire ever known. The Italian traveler Marco Polo was dazzled by the imperial palace:“The building is altogether so vast and beautiful, that no man on earth could design anything superior to it.”
Li Yuan Theater

Daily 80-minute highlights shows.
Magnetic compass

Developed from an instrument used for feng shui and geomancy, it helped the Chinese explore the world.
Mansion of Prince Gong

Summer performances only (see Mansion of Prince Gong).
Martial arts

The Shaolin monks from Songshan in Henan Province have gained an international reputation for their martial arts prowess. They perform regularly at the Li Yun Theater.
Mei Lanfang

Mei Lanfang was the foremost male interpreter of the female role (dan) during Beijing Opera’s heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. Traditionally all female roles were played by male actors, although no longer.
Monkey

Clever, resourceful, and brave, Monkey is one of the favorite characters in Beijing Opera. He has his origins in classic Chinese literature.
Musical instruments

Despite the dramatic visual elements of Beijing Opera, the Chinese say that they go to “listen” to opera, not to see it. Typically six or seven musicians accompany the dramatics. The stringed instruments usually include the erhu, or Chinese two-stringed violin, while percussion includes instruments such as clappers, gongs, and drums.