The elderly in Chongqing are fond of watching the Sichuan opera. It is because this genre of the Chinese opera is noted for its pitched tune accompanied only by percussion and chorus without any wind or string instruments.
Most of the programmes in the wide repertoire of the Sichuan opera are adapted from the Chinese classical novel, mythology, legend and folk tale. Besides, the performance is always full of wit, humour, lively dialogue and pronounced local flavour.
The Sichuan opera has also built a system of stylized movements and its acting is both exquisite and vivid. In order to portray special characters, it creats a series of stunts including the 'face-changing.' In Chinese opera, facial makeup is usually painted, but in Sichuan opera, the performer can change it suddenly on the stage. Therefore, it makes the audience exclaim with admiration.