Chinese opera - Traditional drama grew out of the zaju (variety plays) of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) and continues to exist in 368 different forms, the best known of which is Beijing Opera.
Chinese music - Traditional Chinese music appears to date back to the dawn of Chinese civilization. Modern Chinese music contain considerable western influences.
Chinese painting and calligraphy - In imperial times, painting and calligraphy were the most highly appreciated arts in court circles. Calligraphy was thought to be the highest and purest form of painting.
Chinese motion pictures - The Chinese film industry has continued to develop since film was introduced to China in 1896. Notably popular are Wuxia films and Martial arts films.
Chinese folk arts - Chinese folk arts include puppetry and quyi, which consists of various kinds of storytelling and comic monologues and dialogues, often to the accompaniment of clappers, drums, or stringed instruments.
Chinese variety arts - Variety arts, including tightrope walking, acrobatics, animal acts, and sleight of hand date back at least as far as the Han dynasty and have gained new respectability in recent times.
