2. Facial Make-up

Facial Make-up (Lianpu) in Peking Opera is mostly applied to the male roles of jing and chou, with particular styles to symbolize the different personalities, characteristics, and fates of the roles.

Some people argue that the facial make-up is similar to the mask. Nevertheless, there are great differences between the two in that masks are separate from the face.

Different make-up colors symbolize different personalities:

Red -- brave, faithful and wise men, with utter devotion Purple -- wise, brave and steadfast men Black - upright, outspoken, and never stooping to flattery Blue -- brave, upright and outspoken men, but obstinate and unruly Green -- hero of the bush, chivalrous but with a testy temper Yellow -- valiant but ferocious military men or crafty civil officers White - insidious and treacherous Gold & silver -- mysterious monsters or gods

3. Costumes

PekingOpera Costumes, mainly made of satin, crepe and silk and decorated with various meticulously embroidered patterns, tell a character's sex and status at first glance, marking off people from all walks of life, noble or humble, civil or military. They primarily designate his or her role on the stage regardless of time and space. For instance, an imperial robe is suitable to any emperor in all dynasties, from the remote to the near ancient times.

Accessories, including helmets and hats, constitute an integral part to bring about dramatic stage effects.

4. Basic Skills

Peking Opera Basic Skills include dance movements and special acrobatic movements while singing or reciting, a necessary requirements mastered by all actors and actresses. Lingze skills involve the manipulation of the two long pheasant tail feathers worn on warriors' helmets, such as shaking andswinging. Together with head and body movements, the shaking of the feathers expresses emotions such as surprise, hatred, happiness, and frivolity.