Chinese music goes as far back as Chinese civilization and is highly distinctive from their western counterparts.Chinese musical instruments can be divided into four basic categories bases on the method by which they are played. The first category comprises of stringed instruments such as the huqin. These are made of wood with a piece of snakeskin stretched over the sound box. They have two strings and the bow is permanently lodged between the strings. The second category is plucked instruments, of which there are three types: dulcimers, lutes and harps. The harp is made of either wood or bamboo with steel strings. In the past, the strings were made of silk. The third category is the woodwind section. These are flutes, pipes and Chinese trumpets, which use double reeds like the oboe but sound like a trumpet. The final category is the percussion section. The main instruments include drums, timpani, gongs and cymbals. For certain melodies, bells, xylophones, turned gongs and the triangle are used. In traditionalChinese opera, the percussion second is called wuchang or the martial scene.

Traditional Chinese Opera

Chinese opera has a history dating some 2,000 years. There are 317 types of opera, of which Peking opera is the most important and well-known.

The practitioner of Peking opera is a master athlete - he must be in top physical shape to accommodate the rigors of this performance art. Most performers begin their training from childhood, A well-known example is Kungfu star Jacky Chan, who started training in Peking opera as a child.

Performers wear extensive makeup, their whole faces are painted in bright colors. Colorful masks, inspired from ancient ceremonies and religious symbols, are done by the actors, The color of each character's face is significant as its represents the character's personality and fate. Understanding the colors will greatly enhance your enjoyment o the opera as it is an intricate part of the story. Red faces represent righteousness; black denotes gallantry and heroism; blue and green signify brawn ( not necessary with brains!) or those held in high regard by commoners; yellow and white are negative colors, often meaning cunning or a tendency to be suspicious; gold denotes deities and silver is reserved for demons or bad spirits. The make-up style indicates if a character is good or evil.