The Pingnan Pingjiang Opera. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

Pingnan Pingjiang Opera evolved from the folk performance art known as "Shoulder Opera", which was popular in eastern Fujian during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (1368-1911). It began to take shape in the early Qing dynasty and reached its peak during the reigns of the Xianfeng Emperor and Tongzhi Emperor.

Originating in Pingnan, Fujian, it became popular in northeastern Fujian and areas such as Fuzhou. Pingnan Pingjiang Opera is listed as a traditional drama item in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative projects. The Opera has a long history, a rich repertoire of plays and vocal music, with a simple yet ancient style of performance art.

The music of Pingjiang Opera belongs to the high-pitched vocal system, incorporating Yiyang high-pitched tunes, Luantan (a type of traditional Chinese opera), and folk melodies. The singing styles are divided into four parts: Pingjiang, Jianghu, minor tunes, and other various songs.

It is performed in the dialects of northeastern Fujian or Fuzhou, making it as plain and understandable as everyday speech. The musical style still retains the "one singer, many responders" chorus form, accompanied by instruments such as large gongs, Jinghu (a two-stringed bowed instrument), and flutes.

With over 400 years of history, the Pingnan Pingjiang Opera is closely linked to the institutionalization of clan opera performances within the context of ancestral worship in clan societies. It provides valuable insights into the relationship between folk opera and rural clan societies in China and holds significant social research value.