The Beilu Bangzi Opera, one of the Four Big Shanxi Bangzi Operas, is based on Puzhou Bangzi Opera, one of the ancient Bangzi Operas, which formed in Puzhou in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Now it is primarily popular in northern Shanxi Province,Inner MongoliaAutonomous Region andHebei Province. There are more than 200 traditional repertoires.

The Bangzi is an arc-faced instrument made from date wood that produces a sharp, loud sound. The Bangzi tune is the oldest opera tune out of China's Four Great Characteristic Melodies. The Bangzi Opera is a group of operas generally distinguished by their use of the Bangzi.

The opera aria is based on that of the Puzhou Bangzi Opera, which is loud, sonorous, bold and unpolished. The aria also incorporates local tunes. This gives it a distinct local flavor and displays the character of the local people.

The opera is valuable in terms of what it can offer to the study of local opera development and culture. As the country modernizes, they Beilu Bangzi Opera is not only losing audiences, but also trained actors. It is struggling for survival and needs urgent protection.

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