List of Chinese opera titles

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z act-by-act

M – modern NW – newly written

This list also contains titles of single acts from different plays.

B
《八大锤》Ba Da Chui (Eight Big Battle-clubs/The Battle at Zhuxianzhen)
《白帝城》Baidicheng (Baidi Town)
《百花公主》Baihua Gongzhu (Princess Baihua)
《百花记》Baihua Ji (Story of Princess Baihua)
《百花赠剑》Baihua Zeng Jian (Princess Baihua Gifting a Sword)
《白良关》Bailiangguan (Bailiang Pass)
《白绫记》Bai Ling Ji (The White Silk Wrapping)
《白蟒台》Baimangtai
《白毛女》Baimao Nü (White Haired Girl) M
《白门楼》Baimenlou (White Gate Tower)
《白蛇传》Baishe Zhuan (Tale of the White Snake)
《拜寿算粮》Bai Shou Suan Liang
《白水滩》Baishuitan (White Water Beach)
《灞桥挑袍》Ba Qiao Tiao Pao (Good-bye at Ba Bridge)
《宝莲灯》Bao Lian Deng (Precious Lotus Lantern)
《霸王别姬》Bawang Bie Ji (Farewell My Concubine)
《八仙过海》Ba Xian Guo Hai (The Eight Immortals Cross the Ocean)
《罢宴》Ba Yan (Canceling the Banquet)
《八珍汤》Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction)
《北风紧》Bei Feng Jin
《碧波仙子》Bi Bo Xianzi (The Fairy of Azure Lake)
《别宫祭江》Bie Gong Ji Jiang (Leaving the Palace to Offer Sacrifice at the River)
《兵圣孙武》Bing Sheng Sun Wu (Military Sage Sun Wu)
《逼上梁山》Bi Shang Liangshan (Joining the Rebels of Liangshan)
《碧玉簪》Biyu Zan (The Green Jade Hairpin)
C
《彩楼记》Cai Lou Ji (Tale of the Decorated Chamber)
《彩楼配》Cai Lou Pei (Match Made at the Colorful Tower)
《蔡文姬》Cai Wenji NW
《长坂坡》Changbanpo (Changban Slope)
《嫦娥奔月》Chang E Ben Yue (Chang’e Flies to the Moon)
《长生殿》Changshengdian (Palace of Eternal Youth)
《长亭会》Changting Hui (Meeting at the Long Pavilion)
《曹操与陈宫》Cao Cao Yu Chen Gong (Cao Cao and Chen Gong)
《曹操与杨修》Cao Cao Yu Yang Xiu (Cao Cao and Yang Xiu)
《草船借箭》Cao Chuan Jie Jian (Borrowing Arrows with Straw Boats)
《成败萧何》Cheng Bai Xiao He (Success or Failure of Xiao He) NW
《陈三两》Chen Sanliang
《陈三两爬堂》Chen Sanliang Pa Tang (Chen Sanliang Appeals at the Court)
《赤壁之战》Chi Bi Zhi Zhan (The Battle of Red Cliff)
《赤桑镇》Chisangzhen (Red Mulberry Town)
《闯王旗》Chuang Wang Qi (Flag of the Daring King)
《串龙珠》Chuan Longzhu (The Dragon Pearl Necklace)
《雏风凌空》Chu Feng Ling Kong (Young Phoenix High Up in the Sky)
《楚宫恨》Chu Gong Hen (Sorrow in Chu Palace)
《楚汉相争》Chu Han Xiangzheng (Chu-Han Contention)
《春草闯堂》Chun Cao Chuang Tang (Chun Cao Rushes to the Court)
《春闺梦》Chun Gui Meng (Dream in a Girl’s Chamber)
《春秋笔》Chun Qiu Bi (The Spring and Autumn Record)
《春秋配》Chun Qiu Pei (Romance of Chunfa and Qiulian)
《春香传》Chun Xiang Zhuan
《除三害》Chu San Hai (Eliminating Three Evils)
《刺巴杰》Ci Ba Jie (Stabbing Ba Jie)
《刺王僚》Ci Wang Liao (Murdering Wang Liao)
《翠屏山》Cuipingshan
D
《大保国》Da Bao Guo (Defending the Nation)
《打城隍》Da Cheng Huang (Beating Cheng Huang)
《大登殿》Da Deng Dian (The Great Enthronement)
《打登州》Da Dengzhou (Rescuing Qin Qiong in Dengzhou)
《打督邮》Da Duyou (Beating the Inspector)
《打瓜园》Da Guayuan (Fight in the Melon Garden)
《打棍出箱》Da Gun Chu Xiang (Breaking the Box Open)
《黛玉葬花》Daiyu Zang Hua (Daiyu Buries the Flowers)
《大脚皇后》Dajiao Huanghou (The Empress without Bound Feet)
《打焦赞》Da Jiao Zan (Beating Jiao Zan)
《打金枝》Da Jinzhi (Beating Princess Jinzhi)
《打金砖》Da Jin Zhuan (Hit with the Golden Brick)
《打龙袍》Da Longpao (Beating the Emperor’s Robe)
《打龙棚》Da Longpeng (Fight in the Royal Canopy)
《打銮驾》Da Luanjia (Crashing the Imperial Chariot)
《盗魂铃》Dao Hunling (Stealing the Spirit Bell)
《刀劈三关》Dao Pi San Guan (Fighting Through Three Passes)
《盗御马》Dao Yu Ma (Stealing the Imperial Horse)
《大破铜网阵》 Da Po Tongwangzhen (Breaking the Copper Net Array)
《打青龙》Da Qing Long (Beating the Azure Dragon)
《大唐贵妃》Datang Guifei (Imperial Concubine of the Tang Dynasty)
《打严嵩》Da Yan Song (Beating Yan Song)
《打樱桃》Da Yingtao (Cherry Picking)
《打渔杀家》Da Yu Sha Jia (The Fishermen’s Revenge)
《打侄上坟》Da Zhi Shang Fen (Beating the Nephew to Sweep the Tombs)
《得意缘》De Yi Yuan (A Desirable Match)
《钓金龟》Diao Jingui (Golden Tortoise Fishing)
《定军山》Dingjunshan (Dingjun Mountain)
《鼎盛春秋》Dingsheng Chunqiu (Golden Age of Spring and Autumn)
《东坡宴》Dong Po Yan (Dong Po Feast)
《窦娥冤》Dou E Yuan (The Injustice Done to Dou E)
《豆汁记》Douzhi Ji (Story of the Douzhi)
《断臂说书》Duan Bi Shuo Shu (Arm Cut-off, Story Told)
《断密涧》Duanmijian
《断桥》Duan Qiao (The Broken Bridge)
《断太后》Duan Taihou (Judgment of the Empress)
《对花枪》Dui Hua Qiang  (The Matching Spears)
《杜鹃山》Dujuanshan (Azalea Mountain)
《独木关》Dumuguan (Lonely Tree Pass)
《杜十娘》Du Shiniang
E
《恶虎村》E Hu Cun (Village Of Tigers)
《二进宫》Er Jin Gong (Entering the Palace for the Second Time)
《二堂放子》Er Tang Fang Zi  (Releasing the Second Son)
《二堂舍子》Er Tang She Zi (Sacrificing the Second Son)
F
《法场换子》Fachang Huan Zi (Exchanging the Child at the Execution Ground)
《伐东吴》Fa Dong Wu (Attack on Eastern Wu)
《法门寺》Famensi (Famen Temple)
《樊江关》Fanjiangguan
《范进中举》Fan Jin Zhongju (Fan Jin Passes the Imperial Exam)
《伐子都》Fa Zidu (Fall of Gongsun Zidu)
《飞虎山》Feihushan (Flying Tiger Mountain)
《风波亭》Fengboting (Fengbo Pavilion)
《风尘英烈》Fengchen Ying Lie  (Brave Martyrdom of the Military Prostitute)
《凤还巢》Feng Huan Chao (Return of the Phoenix to the Nest)
《凤凰二乔》Fenghuang Er Qiao (The Two Qiaos at Fenghuangtai)
《凤凰山》Fenghuangshan (Phoenix Mountain)
《疯僧扫秦》Feng Seng Sao Qin
《冯谖客孟尝》Feng Xuan Ke Meng Chang (Feng Xuan Visits Meng Chang)
《汾河湾》Fenhewan (Fen River Bay)
《焚绵山》Fen Mianshan (Burning of the Mian Mountain)
《佛手橘》Foshouju (Bergamot Orange)
G
《甘露寺》Ganlusi (Ganlu Temple)
《赶三关》Gan San Guan (Rushing Through Three Paths)
《宫门带》Gongmen Dai (Story of the Belt at the Palace Gate)
《古城会》Gucheng Hui (Meeting in Gucheng)
《贵妃醉酒》Guifei Zuijiu (The Drunken Concubine)
《柜中缘》Gui Zhong Yuan (Love in the Wardrobe)
H
《汉津口》Hanjinkou (Hanjin Pass)
《海瑞罢官》Hai Rui Ba Guan (Hai Rui Dismissed from Office)
《汉宫惊魂》Han Gong Jinghun (Panic in Han Palace)
《汉明妃》Han Ming Fei (Imperial Concubine of the Ming Dynasty)
《汉文皇后》Han Wen Huanghou (Imperial Consort of Han Wendi)
《韩玉娘》Han Yuniang
《贺后骂殿》He Hou Ma Dian (Empress He Accuses the Usurper)
《黑驴告状》Hei Lü Gaozhuang (The Black Donkey Files a Lawsuit)
《黑旋风李逵》Hei Xuanfeng Li Kui (Li Kui, The Black Whirlwind)
《横槊赋诗》Heng Shuo Fu Shi (Cao Cao Singing an Ode with Long Lance)
《何文秀》He Wenxiu
《红灯记》Hong Deng Ji (The Red Lantern)
《红拂传》Hong Fu Zhuan (Story of Hong Fu)
《红楼二尤》Hong Lou Er You (The Two You Sisters of the Red Chamber)
《红楼梦》Hong Lou Meng (Dream of the Red Chamber)
《鸿门宴》Hongmen Yan (Feast at Hongmen)
《洪母骂畴》Hong Mu Ma Chou (Mother Hong Scolds Chou)
《红娘》Hong Niang
《虹桥赠珠》Hong Qiao Zeng Zhu (Presenting a Pearl at Rainbow Bridge)
《洪羊洞》Hongyangdong (Hongyang Cave)
《红鬃烈马》Hong Zong Lie Ma (Red-maned Fierce Horse)
《画龙点睛》Hua Long Dian Jing (Paint a Dragon And Dot In the Eyes)
《花木兰》Hua Mulan
《淮河营》Huaihe Ying (Army at Huai River)
《荒山泪》Huang Shan Lei (Tears On Barren Hill)
《浣纱记》Huanshaji (Washing Silk)
《华容道》Huarong Dao (The Huarong Path)
《花园赠金》Huayuan Zeng Jin (Presenting Gold in the Garden)
《回荆州》Hui Jingzhou (Back to Jingzhou)
《扈家庄》Hu Jia Zhuang (Manor of the Hu Family)
《火焰驹》Huo Yan Ju
《火烧余洪》Huo Shao Yu Hong (Burning Yu Hong)
《霍小玉》Huo Xiaoyu
J
《蒋干盗书》Jiang Gan Dao Shu (Jiang Gan Steals the Letter)
《将相和》Jiang Xiang He (The Reconciliation of the Minister and the General)
《监酒令》Jian Jiuling (Supervising the Drinking Game)
《借东风》Jie Dong Feng (Use the Eastern Wind)
《截江夺斗》Jie Jiang Duo Dou (Taking A-dou Back on the River)
《界牌关》Jiepaiguan (The Jiepai Pass)
《击鼓骂曹》Ji Gu Ma Cao  (Beating the Drum to Scold Cao Cao)
《祭江》Ji Jiang (Offering Sacrifice at the River)
《敬德装疯》Jing De Zhuang Feng (Jing De Feigns Madness)
《金龟记》Jinguiji (Story of the Golden Tortoise)
《金錢豹》Jinqianbao ( The Leopard)
《金水桥》Jinshui Qiao (Golden Water Bridge)
《金田风雷》Jin Tian Feng Lei
《金玉奴》Jin Yunu
《九更天》Jiu Geng Tian (Nine More Days)
《九江口》Jiujiangkou
《锔大缸》/《锯大缸》Ju Da Gang (Reassembling the Big Pot)
《举鼎观画》Ju Ding Guan Hua
K
《勘玉钏》Kan Yuchuan (Examining the Jade Bracelet)
《空城计》Kong Cheng Ji (Empty City Strategy)
《孔雀东南飞》Kongque Dongnan Fei (The Peacock Flies Southeast)
L
《赖婚记》Laihun Ji
《烂柯山》Lanke Shan (Lanke Mountain)
《兰梅记》Lan Mei Ji (Story of Lan Mei)
《雷峰塔》Leifeng Ta (Leifeng Pagoda)
《梁红玉》Liang Hongyu
《梁山伯与祝英台》Liang Shanbo Yu Zhu Yingtai (The Butterfly Lovers)
《梁祝》Liang Zhu (The Butterfly Lovers)
《连环套》Lianhuantao (A Chain of Traps)
《廉锦枫》Lian Jinfeng
《廉吏于成龙》Lian Li Yu Chenglong (Incorruptible Official Yu Chenglong)
《怜香伴》Lian Xiang Ban (A Gentle Companion)
《李逵探母》Li Kui Tan Mu (Li Kui Visits His Mother)
《李陵碑》Li Ling Bei (At the Tomb of Li Ling)
《狸猫换太子》Limao Huan Taizi (Exchanging the Crown Prince with a Raccoon)
《六出祁山》Liuchu Qishan
《刘兰芝》Liu Lanzhi
《陆文龙》Lu Wenlong
《柳荫记》Liu Yin Ji (Under the Shade of the Willow)
《柳毅传书》Liu Yi Zhuanshu (The Biography of Liu Yi)
《六月雪》Liuyue Xue (Snowfall In June)
《李娃传》Li Wa Zhuan (The Biography of Li Wa)
《龙凤呈祥》Long Feng Cheng Xiang (The Auspicious Dragon and Phoenix)
《芦花河》Luhuahe (Weedy River)
《罗成叫关》Luo Cheng Jiao Guan (Luo Cheng Crying at the City Gate)
《洛神赋》Luoshen Fu (Ode to the Goddess of Luo River) NW
《路遥知马力》Lu Yao Zhi Ma Li (Lu Yao and Ma Li)
《吕布与貂蝉》Lü Bu Yu Diaochan (Lü Bu and Diaochan)
《绿衣女侠》Lüyi Nüxia (Heroine in Green Cloths)
M
《卖水》Mai Shui (Selling Water)
《满江红》Man Jiang Hong (Red Fills the River)
《马昭仪》Ma Zhaoyi
《梅妃》Meifei (Imperial Concubine Meifei)
《梅龙镇》Meilongzhen (Meilong Village)
《煤山恨》Meishan Hen (Sorrow on Mei Mountain)
《孟丽君》Meng Lijun
《描容上路》Miao Rong Shang Lu (On the Road With the Portrait)
《牡丹亭》Mudan Ting (Peony Pavilion)
《穆桂英大战洪州》Mu Guiying Da Zhan Hongzhou (Mu Guiying Battles Hongzhou)
《穆桂英挂帅》Mu Guiying Guashuai (Mu Guiying Takes Command)
《牧虎关》Muhuguan (The Muhu Pass)
《母女会》Mu Nü Hui (Meeting of Mother and Daughter)
N
《南天门》Nantianmen
《南阳关》Nanyang Guan (Nanyang Pass)
《闹天宫》Nao Tian Gong (Havoc in Heaven)
《牛郎织女》Niulang Zhinü (Weaving Maid and Cowherd Boy)
《牛子厚》Niu Zihou NW
《女驸马》Nü Fuma (The Emperor’s Female Son-in-law)
《女起解》Nü Qi Jie (Su San Sent Out Under Guard)
《女杀四门》Nü Sha Si Men (A Woman Defeating Four Regiments)
P
《潘金莲》Pan Jinlian
《盘妻索妻》Pan Qi Suo Qi (Looking at the Wife, Looking for the Wife)
《盘丝洞》Pansidong (Cave of the Silken Web)
《碰碑》Peng Bei (Suicide at the Tomb)
《琵琶记》Piupaji (The Romance of the Lute)
《平贵别窑》Pinggui Bie Yao (Xue Pinggui Leaves His Home)
Q
《清风亭》Qingfengting (Cool Breeze Pavilion)
《清官册》Qingguan Ce (List of Incorrupt Officials)
《青梅煮酒论英雄》Qing Mei Zhu Jiu Lun Yingxiong (Liu Bei and Cao Cao at the Banquet)
《青石山》Qingshishan (Green Rock Mountain)
《情探》Qing Tan (Test of Love)
《秦琼观阵》Qin Qiong Guan Zhen (Qin Qiong Observing the Troops)
《秦琼卖马》Qin Qiong Mai Ma (Qin Qiong Sells His Horse)
《秦香莲》Qin Xianglian
《秦英征西》Qin Ying Zheng Xi (Qin Ying Goes to the West)
《琼林宴》Qionglinyan (Banquet for Successful Candidates)
《棋盘山》Qipanshan
《奇双会》Qi Shuang Hui (Strange Double Meeting)
《秋江》Qiu Jiang (Autumn River)
《秋瑾传》Qiu Jin Zhuan (Biography of Qiu Jin)
《奇冤报》Qi Yuan Bao (Weird Revenge for Injustice) NW
《群·借·华》Qun-Jie-Hua
《群英会》Qun Ying Hui (Gathering of Heroes)
R
《让徐州》Rang Xuzhou (Liu Bei Finally Gets Xuzhou)
S
《三不愿意》San Bu Yuan Yi (Saying No Three Times)
《三岔口》San Cha Kou (At the Crossroads)
《桑园会》Sangyuan Hui (Meeting in the Mulberry Garden)
《桑园寄子》Sangyuan Ji Zi (Child Abandoned in the Mulberry Garden)
《三家店》Sanjia Dian (The Sanjia Inn)
《三娘教子》San Niang Jiao Zi (How the Third Wife Was Teaching the Son)
《扫松下书》Sao Song Xia Shu (Sweeping Pine Needles, Getting the Letter)
《上天台》Shang Tian Tai (Up to the Heavenly Terrace)
《沙桥饯别》Sha Qiao Jianbie (Farewell Dinner at Sandy Bridge)
《杀四门》Sha Si Men aka.《三江越虎城》San Jiang Yue Hucheng (Defeating Four Regiments)
《生死恨》Sheng Si Hen (Sorrow Throughout Life and Death)
《审李七》Shen Li Qi (Trial of Li Qi)
《审潘洪》Shen Pan Hong (Case of Pan Hong)
《审七长亭》Shen Qi Chang Ting (Trial of Li Qi – The Long Pavilion)
《审头刺汤》Shen Tou Ci Tang (Examining the Head, Murdering Tang)
《佘赛花》She Saihua
《失街亭》Shi Jieting (Fall of Jieting)
《失空斩》Shi-Kong-Zhan
《十老安刘》Shi Lao An Liu (Ten Elders Pacify Liu)
《时迁盗甲》Shi Qian Dao Jia (Shi Qian Steals the Armor)
《时迁偷鸡》Shi Qian Tou Ji (Shi Qian Steals Chicken)
《试妻大劈棺》Shi Qi Da Pi Guan (Testing the Wife – Splitting the Coffin Open) NW
《诗文会》Shi Wen Hui (Meeting by Poetry)
《十五贯》Shiwu Guan (Fifteen Strings of Cash)
《拾玉镯》Shi Yuzhuo (Picking Up the Jade Bracelet)
《失子惊疯》Shi Zi Jing Feng (Gone Mad because of the Lost Son)
《寿州救驾》Shouzhou Jiu Jia (Liu Jinding Comes to the Rescue in Shou County)
《双烈记》Shuang Lie Ji
《双射雁》Shuang She Yan
《双阳公主》Shuangyang Gongzhu (Princess Shuangyang)
《双珠凤》Shuang Zhu Feng (Phoenix with Two Pearls)
《水淹七军》Shui Yan Qi Jun (Flooding Seven Armies)
《四进士》Si Jinshi (Four Successful Palace Graduates)
《四郎探母》Silang Tan Mu (Silang Visits his Mother)
《四平山》Sipingshan
《泗州城》Sizhoucheng (Sizhou City)
《宋士杰》Song Shijie
《搜孤救孤》Sou Gu Jiu Gu (The Story of the Orphan)
《锁麟囊》Suo Lin Nang (The Unicorn Purse)
《锁五龙》Suo Wu Long (Subduing Five Dragons)
《苏三起解》Su San Qi Jie (Su San Sent Out Under Guard)
《苏小妹》Su Xiaomei
《苏武牧羊》Su Wu Mu Yang (Su Wu as Shepherd)
T
《太真外传》Taizhen Waizhuan (Unofficial Biography of Taizhen)
《唐僧取经》Tang Seng Qu Jing (Xuanzang Takes the Scriptures)
《探皇陵》Tan Huang Ling (Visiting the Emperor’s Tomb)
《弹剑记》Tan Jian Ji
《探阴山》Tan Yinshan (Visiting Yin Mountain)
《桃花村》Taohuacun (Peach Blossom Village)
《桃花扇》Taohuashan (Peach Blossom Mountain)
《天霸拜山》Tian Ba Bai Shan
《天女散花》Tiannü San Hua (Heavenly Goddess Showering Flowers)
《挑滑车》Tiao Hua Che (Overturning the War Chariots)
《铁弓缘》Tie Gong Yuan (Romance of the Iron Bow)
《缇萦救父》Ti Ying Jiu Fu (Ti Ying Saves Her Father)
《通天犀》Tong Tian Xi
W
《王宝钏》Wang Baochuan
《望儿楼》Wang Er Lou (Waiting-for-the-Son Mansion)
《望江亭》Wangjiangting (Riverside Pavilion)
《王佐断臂》Wang Zuo’s Arm Cut Off
《渭水河》Weishuihe
《未央宫》Weiyanggong (Weiyang Palace)
《文成公主》Wencheng Gongzhu (Princess Wencheng)
《文姬归汉》Wenji Gui Han (Wenji Returns to her Homeland)
《文天祥》Wen Tianxiang
《文昭关》Wenzhaoguan (The Zhao Pass)
《卧龙吊孝》Wolong Diaoxiao (Zhuge Liang’s Condolence Visit at Chai Sang’s Funeral)
《蜈蚣岭》Wugong Ling (Centipede Ridge)
《五谷丰登》Wugu Fengdeng (Harvest of Five Crops)
《武家坡》Wujiapo (The Wujia Slope)
《乌龙院》Wulongyuan (Black Dragon Courtyard)
《乌盆记》Wu Pen Ji (Story of the Black Pot)
《武松》Wu Song
《伍子胥》Wu Zixu
X
《下鲁城》Xia Lucheng (Battle at Lucheng)
《湘江会》Xiang Jiang Hui (Meeting at Xiang River)
《香罗带》Xiang Luo Dai (The Silk Belt)
《祥林嫂》Xiang Linsao (Xiang Linsao aka. Well Wishes) M
《响马传》Xiang Ma Zhuan (The Story of the Bandit)
《萧何月下追韩信》Xiao He Yue Xia Zhui Han Xin (Xiao He Chasing Han Xin Under the Moonlight)
《小宴》Xiao Yan (The Small Dinner)
《逍遥津》Xiaoyaojin (Xiaoyao Ford)
《下书杀惜》Xia Shu Sha Xi (Murdering Yan Xijiao for the Letter)
《谢瑶环》Xie Yaohuan
《西施》Xi Shi
《绣襦记》Xiu Ru Ji (Story of the Embroidered Jacket)
《西厢记》Xi Xiang Ji (Romance of the West Chamber)
《徐策跑城》Xu Ce Pao Cheng (Xu Ce Running to the City Walls)
《徐九经升官记》Xu Jiujing Shengguan Ji (Story of Official Xu)
Y
《雁荡山》Yandangshan (Yandang Mountain)
《杨家将》Yangjia Jiang (Generals of the Yang Family aka. Yang Saga)
《羊角哀》Yang Jiao’ai
《杨门女将》Yangmen Nü Jiang (Female Generals of the Yang Family)
《阳平关》Yangpingguan (The Yangping Pass)
《艳阳楼》Yanyang Lou (Yanyang Pavilion)
《胭脂宝褶》Yan Zhi Bao Zhe (Losing and Getting Back the Official Seal)
《姚期》Yao Qi
《夜审潘洪》Ye Shen Pan Hong (Night Interrogation of Pan Hong)
《野猪林》Yezhulin (Wildboar Forest)
《英台抗婚》Yingtai Kang Hun (Yingtai Resists Marriage)
《银空山》Yinkongshan (Silver Sky Mountain)
《银屏公主》Yinping Gongzhu (Princess Yinping)
《一捧雪》Yi Peng Xue (A Handful of Snow)
《义责王魁》Yi Ze Wang Kui (Reproaching Wang Kui)
《游龙戏凤》You Long Xi Feng (Emperor Zhengde Meets Miss Li Feng)
《尤三姐》You Sanjie
《袁崇焕》Yuan Chonghuan NW
《辕门射戟》Yuanmen She Ji (The Magic Shot)
《鸳鸯冢》Yuanyang Zhong
《御碑亭》Yubeiting (Pavilion of Imperial Stele)
《鱼肠剑》Yu Chang Jian /《鱼藏剑》Yu Cang Jian (Sword Hidden in Fish)
《御果园》Yu Guoyuan (Wei Chigong Saves Emperor Taizong in the Royal Orchard)
《玉卿嫂》Yu Qingsao
《玉蜻蜓》Yu Qingting
《遇皇后》Yu Huanghou (Meeting the Empress)
《玉堂春》Yu Tangchun
《鱼玄机》Yu Xuan Ji
《玉簪记》Yu Zan Ji (The Jade Hairpin)
《宇宙锋》Yuzhou Feng (The Cosmic Blade)
Z
《宰相刘罗锅》Zaixiang Liu Luoguo (Premier Humpbacked Liu) NW
《铡包勉》Zha Bao Mian (Beheading Bao Mian)
《摘缨会》Zhai Ying Hui (Cutting Down the Tassel)
《铡美案》Zha Mei An (Beheading Chen Shimei)
《战北原》Zhan Beiyuan (Battle of Beiyuan)
《战樊城》Zhan Fancheng (The Battle of Fancheng)
《张飞敬贤》Zhang Fei Jing Xian
《斩黄袍》Zhan Huangpao (Slashing the Imperial Robe)
《斩经堂》Zhan Jing Tang (Murder in the Oratory)
《战马超》Zhan Ma Chao (Fight Against Ma Chao)
《斩马谡》Zhan Ma Su (Beheading Ma Su)
《战濮阳》Zhan Puyang (Battle of Puyang)
《战太平》Zhan Taiping (Battle of Taiping)
《战宛城》Zhan Wancheng (Battle of Wancheng)
《昭君出塞》Zhaojun Chu Sai (Wang Zhaojun Departs to the Frontier)
《赵氏孤儿》Zhaoshi Guer (The Orphan of the Zhao Family)
《赵一曼》Zhao Yiman NW
《赵五娘》Zhao Wuniang
《铡判官》Zha Pan Guan (Beheading the Underworld Judge)
《郑和下西洋》Zheng He Xia Xi Yang (Zheng He Sails West) NW
《贞观盛事》Zhen Guan Shengshi
《镇潭州》Zhen Tanzhou
《珍珠塔》Zhenzhuta (The Pearl Pagoda)
《智取威虎山》Zhi Qu Weihu Shan (Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy) M
《钟馗嫁妹》Zhong Kui Jia Mei (Zhong Kui Marries Off His Younger Sister)
《重瞳项羽》Zhongtong Xiang Yu (Double pupil-eyed Xiang Yu) NW
《周仁哭坟》Zhou Ren Ku Fen (Zhou Ren Crying at the Grave)
《周仁献嫂》Zhou Ren Xian Sao (Zhou Ren Offering His Brother’s Wife)
《状元媒》Zhuangyuan Mei (Top Scholar as Matchmaker)
《状元印》Zhuangyuan Yin (Seal of the Top Scholar)
《状元未了情》Zhuangyuan Weiliao Qing (Unfulfilled Love of the Top Scholar)
《朱痕记》Zhu Hen Ji (Story of the Red Scar)
《追韩信》Zhui Han Xin (Chasing Han Xin)
《追鱼》Zhui Yu (To Catch a Fish)
《珠帘寨》Zhulianzhai (Zhulian Fort)
《竹林记》Zhulin Ji (Bamboo Forest)
《捉放曹》Zhuo Fang Cao (Capturing and Releasing Cao Cao)
《捉放宿店》Zhuo Fang Su Dian
《卓文君》Zhuo Wenjun
《朱砂痣》Zhusha Zhi (The Red Birthmark)
《走麦城》Zou Maicheng (Fleeing to Maicheng)
《走西口》Zou Xi Kou (Going to the West Gate) NW
《赚历城》Zuan Licheng (The Licheng Swindle)
《坐楼杀惜》Zuo Lou Sha Xi (Killing Yan Xijiao)
《坐寨》Zuo Zhai (Sitting in the Camp)

“More-in-one” operas and plays w/ acts frequently performed separately

《大探二》Da-Tan-Er:

  1. 《大保国》Da Bao Guo (Defending the Nation)
  2. 《探皇陵》Tan Huang Ling (Visiting the Emperor’s Tomb)
  3. 《二进宫》Er Jin Gong (Entering the Palace for the Second Time)

《群借华》 Qun-Jie-Hua:

  1. 《群英会》Qun Ying Hui (Gathering of Heroes)
  2. 《借东风》Jie Dong Feng (Summoning the Eastern Wind)
  3. 《华容道》Huarongdao (The Huarong Path)

《失空斩》Shi-Kong-Zhan:

  1. 失街亭 Shi Jieting (Fall of Jieting)
  2. 空城计 Kong Cheng Ji (Empty City Strategy)
  3. 斩马谡 Zhan Ma Su (Beheading Ma Su)

《杨家将》Yangjia Jiang (Generals of the Yang Family):

  1. 《七郎托兆》Qilang Tuo Zhao (Ghost of Yang Yansi Tells the Events)
  2. 《李陵碑》Li Ling Bei (At the Tomb of Li Ling) or《碰碑》Peng Bei (Suicide at the Tomb)
  3. 《清官册》Qingguan Ce (List of Incorrupt Officials)

《红鬃烈马》Hong Zong Lie Ma (Red-maned Fierce Horse):

  1. 《花园赠金》Huayuan Zeng Jin (Presenting Gold in the Garden)
  2. 《彩楼配》Cai Lou Pei (Match Made at the Colorful Tower)
  3. 《三击掌》San Jizhang (Clapping Hands Three Times)
  4. 《闹窑降马》Nao Yao Xiang Ma (Taming the Horse)
  5. 《别窑投军》 Bie Yao Tou Jun (Leaving Home to Join the Army) aka.《平贵别窑》Pinggui Bie Yao (Xue Pinggui Leaves His Home)
  6. 《母女会》Mu Nü Hui (Meeting of Mother and Daughter) aka. 《探寒窑》Tan Hanyao (Visit in Hanyao)
  7. 《鸿雁传书》Hongyan chuan Shu (Swan Delivering the Letter)
  8. 《赶三关》Gan San Guan (Rushing Through Three Paths)
  9. 《武家坡》Wujiapo (The Wujia Slope)
  10. 《算军粮》Suan Junliang (Stock-taking Army Provisions)
  11. 《银空山》Yinkongshan (Silver Sky Mountain)
  12. 《大登殿》Da Deng Dian (The Great Enthronement)

Alternative partitions:

王八出 “Wang’s Eight” – Storyline focusing on Wang Baochuan

  1. 《花园赠金》Huayuan Zeng Jin (Golden Present in the Garden)
  2. 《彩楼配》Cai Lou Pei (Match Made at the Colorful Tower)
  3. 《三击掌》San Jizhang (Clapping Hands Three Times)
  4. 《平贵别窑》Pinggui Bie Yao (Xue Pinggui Leaves His Home)
  5. 《探寒窑》Tan Hanyao (Visit in Hanyao)
  6. 《武家坡》Wujia Po (The Wujia Slope)
  7. 《算粮》Suan Liang (Stock-taking Army Provisions)
  8. 《大登殿》Da Deng Dian (The Great Enthronement)

薛八出 “Xue’s Eight” – Storyline focusing on Xue Pinggui

  1. 《花园赠金》Huayuan Zeng Jin (Golden Present in the Garden)
  2. 《彩楼配》Cai Lou Pei (Match Made at the Colorful Tower)
  3. 《平贵别窑》Pinggui Bie Yao (Xue Pinggui Leaves His Home)
  4. 《误卯三打》Wu Mao San Da (Xue Pinggui Gets Punished)
  5. 《赶三关》Gan San Guan (Rushing Through Three Paths)
  6. 《武家坡》Wujiapo (The Wujia Slope)
  7. 《算粮》San Liang (Stock-taking Army Provisions)
  8. 《大登殿》Da Deng Dian (The Great Enthronement)

《白蛇传》Baishe Zhuan (Tale of the White Snake)

  1. 《游湖》
  2. 《结亲》
  3. 《酒变》
  4. 《盗草》
  5. 《金山寺》
  6. 《水斗》
  7. 《断桥》
  8. 《合钵》
  9. 《毁塔》

《伍子胥》Wu Zixu

  1. 《战樊城》Zhan Fancheng (The Battle of Fancheng)
  2. 《长亭会》Changting Hui (Meeting in the Long Pavilion)
  3. 《文昭关》Wenzhaoguan (The Zhao Pass)
  4. 《芦中人》Luzhongren (The Man in the Reed)
  5. 《浣纱河》Huan Sha He (Washing Silk at the River)
  6. 《鱼藏剑》Yu Cang Jian (Sword Hidden in Fish)
  7. 《刺王僚》Ci Wang Liao (Murdering Wang Liao)
  8. 《打五将》Da Wu Jiang (Defeating Five Generals)

《四郎探母》Silang Tan Mu (Silang Visits his Mother)

  1. 《坐宫》Zuo Gong
  2. 《盗令》Dao Ling
  3. 《别宫》Bie Gong
  4. 《出关》Chu Guan
  5. 《巡营》Xun Ying
  6. 《见弟》Jian Di
  7. 《见母》Jian Mu
  8. 《见妻》Jian Qi
  9. 《别亲》Bie Qin
  10. 《回关》Hui Guan
  11. 《斩辉》Zhan Hui

《玉堂春》Yu Tangchun (Story of Su San)

  1. 《嫖院》Piao Yuan (Visiting the Court)
  2. 《庙会》Miao Hui (Temple Meeting)
  3. 《起解》Qi Jie (Sent Out Under Guard)
  4. 《会审》Hui Shen (Interrogation)
  5. 《探监》Tan Jian (Visit in the Prison)
  6. 《团圆》Tuan Yuan (Reunion)

《吞吴恨》

  1. 《小桃园》
  2. 《伐东吴》
  3. 《战猇亭》
  4. 《连营寨》or《哭灵牌》
  5. 《八阵图》
  6. 《白帝城》

《千里走单骑》

  1. 《灞桥挑袍》
  2. 《过五关》
  3. 《古城会》

15 Comments »

  1. Geza said,

    March 2, 2012 at 6:13 pm

    I am confused by the translation: The Unicorn Purse. On another website it is translated as The Unicorn Catching Purse. After pushing my wife’s ability to translateto to the limits, I came up with the conclusion that neither title is correct. We think that the title should be The Unicorn Embroidered Purse. Any comments on this?

  2. Fern said,

    March 2, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    Hello, thanks for bringing this up. Once I wanted to elaborate but wasn’t necessary so far (i.e. no-one cared). :)

    Literally Suo Lin Nang is “Unicorn Trapping Purse”, as 锁 Suo=to lock up, to trap; 麟 Lin=Chinese mythological female unicorn, associated with childbirth; 囊 Nang=sack, purse, often embroidered.
    Legend says that this kind of purse can catch and trap a female unicorn and the bride will be blessed with superb children.
    Such sacks are often embroidered with unicorns, we use the translation “The Unicorn Purse” because it’s simpler than “The Unicorn Embroidered Purse”.
    “The Unicorn Catching Purse” is good as well, but I avoid it because someone who never heard about the story wouldn’t get why on earth an unicorn should be trapped.

    Similarly, most of the English titles provided aren’t literal translations, for two reasons:

    1. Sometimes it’s impossible to translate properly, the Chinese can sum up a whole sentence in 3-4 characters, we can’t.
    For example: Yuanmen She Ji literally would be “Camp Gate Halberd Shot”. Would anyone guess it’s about someone who is hitting the edge of a halberd with one arrow shot in a way that he’s inside the camp and the halberd is set up outside the camp? Hardly, so I use the much more descriptive, yet not literal title: “The Magic Shot”.

    2. Some operas have internationally accepted, may I say “standard” titles. Everyone knows “Farewell My Concubine”, it’s not necessary to use the literal title “Xiang Yu Bids Farewell to his Concubine”.

    Many operas have not such far and wide accepted titles, I personally try to provide titles that refer to the story, for example the title “You Long Xi Feng”, literally “Walking Dragon plays tricks on the Phoenix” has obvious meaning for the Chinese, who know that the dragon means the Emperor, the phoenix refers to a pretty girl, the Emperor in question has an outing, hence the “walking”, and he’s flirting with this girl.
    Isn’t it simpler to remember the story if the title is “Emperor Zhengde Meets Miss Li Feng?” ;)

    One more thing, I never (or just in exceptional cases) translate names of persons or places, I don’t think it makes sense to write “Splendid Looking Path”, “Huarong Path” is just as good. :)

  3. Bertrand said,

    March 2, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    Fern invited me specially to comment on this very controversial subject.
    ;)

    The truth of the matter is that I have seen this as “Suo Lin Nang”, “Suolin Nang”, “Suo Linang” and none are very easy to understand in English.

    I believe I adopted the “Unicorn Purse” everywhere on my blog because it was the standard translation used by the Ministry of Culture web sites, not to mention this DVD:
    http://www.cgcmall.com/unicorn-purse-beijing-opera-dvd/

    and of course the Fleeting Spectator blog, who unfortunately only very seldom posts about Beijing Opera:
    http://fleetingspectator.wordpress.com/tag/zhang-huoding/

  4. Fern said,

    March 3, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    How to write Chinese in Latin letters, it’s unclear for me too. Characters of polysyllabic words are written in one for sure.
    I think geographical names are written as one single word, and lately I try to stick to that, but likely won’t browse through previous posts to correct everything.
    I have a tendency to write characters that are somewhat coherent as one word, for example in the case of the Unicorn Purse, previously I wrote Suolin Nang, “unicorn-trapping” “purse”, but now I better use Suo Lin Nang.
    There are rules for these but I never was interested enough to learn. :P

    My shrink once asked me: “You are thinking continuously?” Now I get why she said that… :S

  5. Bertrand said,

    March 3, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    Hello Fern,

    Did you ever take Mandarin courses, or are you completely self-taught?

  6. Fern said,

    March 3, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    Self-taught. Housewife has lots of free time. :)

  7. Fern said,

    March 5, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I just checked the cover of the “Selected Songs” dvd you sent me back then, that has the funniest translation of the Unicorn Purse ever: “Zip the Kylin Bag”. What a fantastic prop that would be, a purse with zipper. :D

  8. Bertrand said,

    August 29, 2012 at 12:27 am

    Butterfly Lowers should be Lovers

  9. Fern said,

    August 29, 2012 at 12:39 am

    Haha, indeed, I corrected. However I would like to know how to lower a butterfly… ^_^

  10. Bertrand said,

    December 18, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    Hello,

    Missing item:

    《坐宫》 Sitting in the Palace, part of Silang Visits his Mother, not mentioned here.

    Cheers!

  11. Doug said,

    December 19, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    Fantastic list, especially the “more-in-one” section! There are more more-in-ones that can be added, but your list is rare & very helpful. For example, Baishe Zhuan contains many acts which can be performed separately. Other sources of the same thing are the Sanguo yanyi, Suihu zhuan, Xixiang ji, Mudan ting, & more from Yangjia jiang, Yangmen nu:jiang, & Mu Guiying, so it can be very helpful to list the source of the play (either the literary source or at least the historical period in which it supposedly took place).

    Liu Wenlong should be Lu Wenlong.

    Zhenzhuta should be The Pearl Pagoda (not Tower).

    Is the 4th character of Hai Rui Dismissed from Office correct?

    San Liang should be Suan Liang (in “Wang’s Eight” & “Xue’s Eight”).

    Wenzhao guan should be Wen Zhaoguan (Zhaoguan, or Zhao Pass). The play Wu Zhaoguan can also be added. (The name of the pass is Zhaoguan. There are 2 plays: a wen (civil) & a wu (martial) version.)

    Many plays have alternate titles.

    If you convert your list to a filterable Excel list, it would make it more useful.
    If you contact me by email, I will send you my own Excel list.

    What is the actual source of the play Shi qi pi guan? I haven’t been able to find it in Zhuangzi.

  12. Doug said,

    December 21, 2012 at 9:54 am

    Another good source of “more-in-one” plays is Xiyouji.

    If I am incorrect about Lu/Liu Wenlong or anything else, please tell me.

  13. Fern said,

    December 21, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Hello Doug,

    Thanks for pointing out my typos, of course it’s Lu Wenlong and Suan Liang, corrected the Han Rui play, 3th and 4th character were both incorrect, copy-paste failure. XD

    Oh I get the Zhao Pass, thanks for drawing my attention to that.

    I was also wondering about alternate titles, but decided to list everything in alphabetical order, nowadays I have zero free time, so just paste titles here and there… Usually I try to pick to most popular title.

    When I have time I’l add the scenes of Baishe Zhuan, Silang Tan Mu, and other classics.

    Shi qi pi guan is the “creation” of Li Baochun: http://operabeijing.com/?p=2608
    A bit odd. :P

    Now and then I add newly written plays too.

  14. Doug said,

    December 29, 2012 at 6:42 am

    Hi Fern,

    Thank you so much for your updates. Your list (your knowledge!) is an invaluable resource. No where else is so much information available. I have been searching in the dark unsuccessfully for 55 years.

    I am trying to reconcile some information (or misinformation) that I have pulled from various sources. I have numbered my questions. I hope that makes it easier for you to respond by number..

    1. Is “Dao ku (Robbing the Treasury)” a part of Baishe zhuan? And if so, how does it fit into the sequence of acts?

    2. Is “Julin ji (Bamboo Forest Story)” a part of Baishe zhuan? And if so, how does it fit into the sequence of acts?

    3.Is the “dou” in “Shui dou” really “dipper”, or is it “fight”?

    4. Are both “Shui man” & “Shui man Jinshan” acceptable alternative names for “Shui dou”?

    5. Are both “Ji ta” & “Leifeng ta” alternatives to “Hui ta”?

    Thanks also for the link to the “Shi qi pi guan” info & videos. That answered several questions.

    6. I have read that the “Shan fen” scene & the entire “Shi qi pi guan” story does not come from the book Zhuangzi, but from an old novel. Do you know the name of the novel?

    Gratefully

  15. Fern said,

    December 29, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    Hello Doug,

    Sorry in advance for not stating all my sources, I’m just browsing the net and pick up information from everywhere, and if I get stuck I ask someone who is competent.

    Tale of the White Snake has a gazillion versions in Chinese Opera, also there are the folk tales, ballads etc. etc., even Beijing Opera has five or six versions, thus titling is also very varied.

    The jingju version Tale of the White Snake that we are seeing nowadays got this final form around the 50s. Some parts were omitted, before the opening boating scene there was an act called《双蛇斗》Shuang She Dou (Two Snakes Fight), in between was 《盗库银》Dao Ku Yin, Robbing /Silver from/ the Treasury, and at the end was《祭塔》Ji Ta (Offering Sacrifice at the Pagoda).

    In《双蛇斗》Shuang She Dou (Two Snakes Fight) Green Snake also wants to marry, but White Snake doesn’t allow it. (Don’t ask me why.) The two fight, White defeats Green, Green Snake finally agrees to remain unmarried and the two go off hill together.

    In《盗库银》Dao Ku Yin, Robbing the Treasury, the county magistrate extorts money from the people, and piles up gold, silver and pearls in a warehouse. White Snake dispatches Green Snake to steal everything back for the benefit of the people. Green Snake robs the warehouse at night, the country magistrate asks the god/patron spirit of the treasury to fight Green Snake, but Green Snake defeats him. It happens after Bai’s marriage.
    It was taken out from the jingju version White Snake, because it focuses on Xiao Qing thus somehow doesn’t fit, but it is performed as a separate short play.

    Sometimes《祭塔》Ji Ta is simply called《雷峰塔》Leifengta (Leifeng Pagoda), it’s a scene were Bai’s grown-up son, Xu Shilin 许仕林 comes back to his hometown after succeeding as top scholar, gets to know all the former happenings, cries at the pagoda, her mother also appears and laments, but then they have to part.

    In《毁塔》Hui Ta, he destroys the pagoda and sets Bai free.

    斗 in this case is dòu, and means fight. (The “dipper” meaning is dǒu instead.)

    《水漫金山》Shui Man Jinshan (Flooding the Jinshan Temple) is another name of Shui Dou, same story.

    《竹林记》Zhulinji (Bamboo Forest Story) is another name for《火烧余洪》Huoshan Yu Hong (Burning Yu Hong). Gao Junbao 高君保 and his wife, Liu Jinding 刘金定 fight Yu Hong 余洪, the tired Yu hides in a bamboo forest but Liu burns down the forest.
    At least this is the only Bamboo Forest Story I know, it’s set during the reign of Emperor Taizu of Song.

    There’s a book titled《古今小说》(alternate title《喻世明言》) by late Ming author Feng Menglong 冯梦龙, it’s a collection of folk story-based Song and Yuan dynasty novels (called 话本 huaben), the 20th chapter is《庄子休鼓成大道》、《蝴蝶梦》 Zhuangzi grieving for his lost wife (by beating a winnowing basket as a drum) and Butterfly Dream, the story of Mrs. Shi is told in this part of the book. Ref.: http://baike.baidu.com/view/1486368.htm

    I hope it helps, and makes some sense. XD

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