The layers of meaning within each movement must be expressed in time with music.

Performers also adhere to a variety of stylistic conventions that help audiences navigate the plot of the production. Above all else, the skill of performers is evaluated according to the beauty of their movements. They use the skills of speech, song, dance, and combat in movements that are symbolic and suggestive, rather than realistic. With their elaborate and colorful costumes, performers are the only focal points on Peking opera's characteristically sparse stage. Peking opera features four main types of performers. The art form is also preserved in Taiwan (Republic of China), where it is known as Guójù ( literally: 'National theatre'). The form was extremely popular in the Qing dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China. It arose in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognized by the mid-19th century. Peking opera or Beijing opera is a form of Chinese opera which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics. Some pages are disbound but present (and suitable for framing). Lavishly illustrated, including illustrating on otherwise clear plastic.

Peking opera makeup