Jingju's living library runs to hundreds of plays, drawn from history, folklore, and literature. Here are a few gateways that are loved by newcomers and veterans alike.
Where to begin
- The Drunken Concubine (贵妃醉酒) — A lonely imperial consort drinks and dances through a moonlit night. A showcase for the Dan art, immortalized by the great Mei Lanfang (梅兰芳).
- Farewell My Concubine (霸王别姬) — The tragic last night of the hero Xiang Yu and his beloved Yu Ji. Sword dance, heartbreak, and one of the most famous endings in all Chinese theatre.
- Empty City Strategy (空城计) — The clever strategist Zhuge Liang outwits an enemy army by calmly playing the zither at an open gate. A masterclass in Laosheng singing.
- At the Crossroads (三岔口) — A wordless, acrobatic duel fought in pitch darkness. The perfect entry point if you want pure action and physical comedy.
- The Legend of the White Snake (白蛇传) — A serpent spirit's love story spanning romance, magic, and a famous battle at the Golden Mountain temple.
A name to know: Mei Lanfang
Mei Lanfang (1894–1961) was the most celebrated Dan performer of the 20th century and one of the "Four Great Dan" (四大名旦). He toured internationally — including to the United States in 1930 — and helped introduce Jingju to the world. If you watch one historical recording, make it his.
Many plays are short and self-contained, so you can sample them one at a time. Look for subtitled performances, or read a one-paragraph synopsis first — the story is half the fun.