Peking Opera, also known as Beijing Opera, is a traditional Chinese opera that originated in the late 18th century. It is a combination of various forms of Chinese opera, including Kunqu and Qinqiang, as well as other theatrical traditions.

The first Peking Opera troupe was established in Beijing in 1790, during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. It was initially called 'Yuan-dynasty Tune' (元曲), and was performed by a group of street performers who had migrated from Anhui province. These performers brought their own traditional Anhui opera styles and techniques with them, which were then combined with other regional opera styles to create a new, distinct form of opera.

Over time, Peking Opera evolved and became more sophisticated, with new elements being added to it. The most significant of these was the incorporation of martial arts techniques, which gave the performances a more dynamic and visually stunning quality. Peking Opera also became more stylized, with performers using elaborate makeup and costumes to convey different characters and emotions.

In the early 20th century, Peking Opera became a popular art form in China, and was even performed for foreign audiences. It underwent further changes during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, when it was used as a tool for political propaganda. However, since then it has regained its popularity and is now considered a treasured part of China's cultural heritage.

Today, Peking Opera continues to be performed in theaters throughout China and around the world. Its unique combination of music, dance, theater, and martial arts continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of performers.