Of all Chinese cities, Beijing seems to attract the most visitors. There’s a reason for that. One of the oldest cities in the country, Beijing has always been a major cultural and political epicentre. To visit this place, to walk its streets, is to experience China’s ancient history and its futuristic ambitions, all at the same time. It is home to a number of temples, gardens and museums which offer glimpses into the exotic East. But none of them paint as vivid a picture as the Peking Opera.

The Peking Opera, also known as the Beijing Opera, is a platform for traditional Chinese theatre. The performances here fall into two distinctive categories. You can find the usual singing, dancing (with a Chinese flavour, of course), called ‘civil pieces’, but the opera also offers acrobat and martial arts shows, called ‘martial pieces’. And some operas combine the two, in an epic, energetic and exhilarating show. The opera is typically backed by two orchestras, one playing string instruments and the other percussion instruments.

The Peking Opera traces its origins to the 18th century, and while it still stays true to the artistic styles of that age, there have been a number of modern reforms. The innovations are fuelled by the youth, interested in keeping this unique form of art alive and relevant to its contemporary audiences. Most of the performances rely on body language to get the story across, and while some gestures can be quite dramatic, others are more nuanced. A little research beforehand will definitely come in handy.

Finding a place to stay in a foreign country can be a daunting task at times. That’s why some prefer serviced apartments Beijing. It gives you all the privacies of home and all the luxuries of a hotel. An accommodation such as Somerset Grand Fortune Garden offers a hassle free stay. The apartments occupy a convenient location, whether your visit is for shopping, business or sightseeing. This hotel also houses a business centre, for all your business related needs, a bakery and even a minimart with the inclusion of laundry, cleaning and limousine services, making it the best choice for the tourist in search of a luxury apartment in Beijing.