From the beginning of the 20th century, subject to the impact of the West, the modern drama or stage play without singing appeared in China. For more than 100 years, modem drama has been gradually integrating into Chinese culture, taken root and become very influential. The development and prosperity of modern drama has added a new landscape for Chinese theater,which, as a whole, has become more diversified.

China is a country with multiple theatrical activities spread over its large area. Chinese traditional opera, an integration of singing and performance, is the most common, unique and representative form of Chinese theater. Over more than 800 years, it has maintained its basic form. In the beginning of the 20th century, subject to the impact of the West,the modern drama without singing appeared in China. The development and prosperity of modern drama has added a new landscape for Chinese theater, which, as a whole, has become more diversified.

Foreword
Prelude: the Origins of Chinese Theater
Sacrifice and Entertainer
The Spectacular Scene of Music and Dance
Xinong and the Art of Singing with Speaking
Peaks Towering Magnificently: Song Xiwen and Yuan Zaju
Southern Xiwen during the Song Dynasty
The Prosperity ofYuan Zaju
Guan Hanqing's Remarkable Achievement
Refinement and Elegance: Chuanqi of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Times of Kunqu Opera Scholars' Renovate of Xiwen
Kunqu Opera and Exquisite Peony Pavilion
Palace of Eternity and Peach Blossom Fan
Li Yu and Kunqu Opera Stage Performances
Flowers in Bloom: Diversified Opera Varieties
Spread of Yiyang Tune and Clapper Opera
Competition between Huabu and Yabu
From Playlet to Big Opera
Modern Play and Stage Play
With Ups and Downs: Extending Its Global Presence
New Stage
Mei Lanfang--Going to the World
Improvement to the Traditional Opera and
"Model Opera"
Forward-looking Chinese Theater
Appendix: Chronological Table of the Chinese Dynasties