Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty felt interested in the local drama during his tour of Southern China. To celebrate his 80th birthday in 1790, he gathered opera troupes (剧团) from different areas around China (perform) for him in Beijing. When the (celebrate) came to an end, four famous troupes from Anhui Province (ask) to stay, for audiences were particularly (satisfy) with their great performances, colorful clothes and interesting facial make-ups.
Step by step, it replaced Kunqu Opera had been popular in the palace and among the upper ranks in Beijing. Later, some troupes from Hubei Province came to Beijing and often performed together with the Anhui troupes. The two types of singing (gradual) combined on the same stage and finally gave birth a new type that was known as Beijing Opera.
Beijing Opera absorbed various (characteristic) of its forerunners (祖先) such as singing and dancing and adapted itself in language and style of singing to Beijing audiences tastes. time goes by, its popularity has spread all over the country, with it (become) the favorite drama in China.
