There is evidence for opera as far back as the Tang dynasty when Emperor Xuanzong created a troupe to perform in his ‘Pear Garden’, to this day opera performers are known as ‘Followers of the Pear Garden’. The genre was furthered by later dynasties. In the Ming dynasty, Kunqu Opera became the most important form; the bamboo flute is used as a melodious accompaniment in these operas. Some of the best loved works were written for Kunqu Opera in this period; they all involve the mischievous monkey king.

More characters were added later like the Chou and Jing. Changes came with the formation of the People's Republic and later the Cultural Revolution. Traditional Beijing Opera was banned during the Cultural Revolution because the stories were about the old-fashioned structures of society. Eventually a new type of opera called Revolutionary Operas appeared. These broadly followed the classical form but were now based on stories where the bad guys were land owners, aristocrats and merchants. The music and movements came from the classical tradition, only the costumes and narrative were modern.

Chinese opera plots come from many different well known stories in Chinese culture. This is a scene based off of the Legend of the White Snake.

The costumes and makeup are the only thing needed to identify a character in Chinese Opera. White make-up is used to clearly identify the villain. Black is for kind but forceful characters. Generals and warriors have bright red and yellow make-up while red indicates loyalty and courage. Generally the good characters have simple, smooth patterns of make-up while the evil ones have complex designs.  

Here is a video of the opera Peony Pavilion. The accompaniment and music is the most important part of the operas. People go to the opera to solely listen, and it is seen as a very spiritual experience.

This video explains keeping Chinese Opera alive today, and its significance to the people of China.