UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritages in China (II) (9)

Yueju opera

The item, "Yueju opera" was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

The Chinese tradition of Yueju opera combines Mandarin operatic traditions and Cantonese dialect.

Rooted in the Cantonese-speaking provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi in south-eastern China, Yueju opera is characterized by a combination of string and percussion instruments, with elaborate costumes and face painting.

It also incorporates stunts and fights using real weapons and drawing on the Shaolin martial arts, as illustrated by the central Wenwusheng role that demands proficiency in both singing and fighting.