Peking Opera is regarded as the quintessence of Chinese culture with more than 200 years of history. With elaborate costumes, colorful facial masks, dazzling martial arts, ear-splitting arias and musical dialogue, like Great Wall hiking, watching Peking Opera show is also listed as one of the things must do in Beijing.

Differently from watching Peking Opera Show in a traditional way in the theater, now we design a new item for you: visit Beijing Opera School, have a close contact with professional Peking Opera students.

Here you can not only learn the history and knowledge about Peking Opera, but also visit the different courses to know how to cultivate a professional opera performer. The most attractive part is that everyone here can learn some basic Peking Opera movements with the students. If you are interested in traditional Chinese culture, never miss such a good chance.

You will arrive at the Opera School at 9:00 in the morning. The teacher in charge of the reception will explain the whole situation about the school at first and then start the visit here. Beijing Opera School has 60 years of history, starting with 60 students and now reach 7000.

The schedule in Beijing Opera School has three parts last for about 2 hours:

Firstly, 1 hour visit the courses including basic skills course, drama course, etc. to see how the students learn Peking Opera. All the students are around the age of 14-18. The teachers are strict and the basic skills training is hard, usually in 90 minutes class, they only repeat 3-5 movements again and again.

Secondly, 30 minutes learn simple Peking Opera movements including basic techniques and footwork, orchid fingers, stage pose, play with short spear, etc. Professional students demonstrate slowly first and then teach you step by step. They can speak some simple English and if you cannot understand, the tour guide will explain you. This part is most attractive part during the visit in school. Don't be shy, just try your best to imitative movements and performance like an insider. Remark: depending on different courses, the content of interactive sessions maybe different.

Lastly, 30 minutes visit the school museum. The photos and real object of Peking Opera show in the exhibition hall explain the history of Peking Opera, the history of this school, knowledge of the opera stage, characters and performance, opera costumes, props, musical instruments, make-up, etc. All the items in the showroom have bilingual presentation (Chinese and English), and also there is a professional teacher explain all the way, so do not need to worry about you could not understand the real meaning.

As an outstanding Peking Opera performer, he or she need to be proficient in music, dance, singing and martial arts. "One minute on the stage requires ten years of hardworking!"

During 2 hours visiting Beijing Opera School, you will have an in-depth understanding about this quintessence of Chinese culture, not only just the professional knowledge, but also you can learn and practice simple basic movements and take pictures with the students. What an interesting and unique experience! All participants said that this is a really a pleasant and meaningful journey. Maybe, you have a new Chinese friend after this interaction during Peking Opera study lesson.

Note:

This is totally taior-made private culture experience with local Peking Opera school students.

One week advance booking is required in order to match available morning excercise lesson.