Xiang Opera

Xiang opera is a major Hunan regional theatre centred on Changsha and Xiangtan, taking shape in the Ming dynasty and maturing under the Qing. It blends four vocal systems together with assorted folk tunes and carries a rich repertoire. It entered the second national ICH list in 2008.

Xiang opera follows strict performance conventions, complete in song, speech, acting and combat, its painted faces and costumes steeped in distinctly Hunan colour, with traditional plays drawn from historical romances and folk tales.

Xiang opera represents the theatrical culture of Hunan and holds significant value for understanding how the region's operatic vocal styles formed and evolved.