Fuzhou Pinghua is a unique storytelling art form narrated in the Fuzhou dialect, interspersed with a cappella singing. It is popular in Fuzhou, capital of East China’s Fujian province, as well as in Taiwan of China and Southeast Asian communities with overseas Fuzhounese.

Originating around the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing dynasties, Fuzhou Pinghua flourished during the Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The singing melodies of Fuzhou Pinghua are divided into three categories: xutou (prelude), yinchang (recitative), and supai (emotional aria). Xutou is used for short introductory praises before the main story, similar to the "preface" in ancient storytelling. Yinchang is the basic singing style, employed for narrative singing, character monologues, and dialogues. Supai, with its stronger musicality, is used when characters recount their backgrounds or express grievances.

Fuzhou Pinghua boasts a rich repertoire, typically categorized into five themes: long historical tales, like Romance of the Three Kingdoms; short martial arts stories, like The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants; semi-lengthy narratives, like Water Margin; courtroom dramas, unique to Fuzhou Pinghua, featuring local flavors and stories of righteous officials defending the people and redressing injustices; and family tales, depicting ethical dilemmas and emotional reunions or separations.

With its distinctive musical accompaniment, performance style, unique libretto structure, and traditional storytelling themes, Fuzhou Pinghua holds immense historical and cultural significance and is revered as a "living fossil" of ancient folk art.