Dianju (Yunnan Opera)

Dianju took shape in the Daoguang reign of the Qing dynasty, fusing the three vocal styles of sixian, xiangyang, and huqin; nearly two centuries old, it is Yunnan's most representative local opera.

Sung in the Yunnan dialect with a full set of role types and both civil and martial scenes, its repertoire draws on historical romances and folk tales, with lyrical singing and nuanced acting.

Dianju spread across Yunnan and parts of Sichuan and Guizhou and, carried by emigrants, reached Southeast Asia; it is hailed as the 'camellia' of Yunnan theater.

Kunming is the core city for Dianju's inscription and transmission, with regular performances and training at the city's theaters and cultural centers.