Sichuan Opera is one of the traditional opera genres in China, popular in Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan provinces and Chongqing municipality. The Sichuan Opera was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. In Chengdu city of Sichuan province, most opera houses allow ticket-holders to visit backstage. Most of the opera actors are veterans, able to put on and remove facial makeup by themselves, and visitors can take photos as they like. Visitors can also experience the opera outfits and facial makeup after the show.

As there are always youngsters and foreigners among the audience, the opera shows have added some innovative elements to cater to their tastes. For example, veteran actors may play cute and say some catchwords during the show, and the face-changing stunt may reveal a Spider-Man face.

A foreigner experiences the attire and facial makeup of Sichuan Opera. [Photo/IC]

A foreigner experiences the attire and facial makeup of Sichuan Opera. [Photo/IC]

An actor performs a fire-spitting stunt in Sichuan Opera. [Photo/IC]

A veteran actor plays cute in a Sichuan Opera show. [Photo/IC]

Tools used to apply facial makeup in Sichuan Opera. [Photo/IC]