Peking Opera & Face Painting

Cultural context

Peking opera (京剧) blends song, mime, acrobatics, and martial arts. Its bold painted faces (脸谱) are a visual code — red for loyalty, white for cunning, black for integrity — telling you each character at a glance.

What you'll do

1. 0:00

   A short live demonstration and the story behind the painted faces.

2. 0:30

   Learn signature hand gestures, walks, and a line of song.

3. 1:10

   Try on a costume and have opera makeup applied; photos.

Etiquette tips

• ✓Roles are stylized — exaggerate the gestures, that’s the point.
• ✓The makeup is bold and takes time; relax and enjoy it.

Good to know