Quanzhou Liyuan opera is a rare and valuable opera in China, because it still preserves the characteristics of Southern opera from Tang and Song Dynasties. Originating in Quanzhou, it has spread to Taiwan and the Southeast Asian Countries in the footsteps of the emigrants from Quanzhou. Having preserved a large repertoire of southern opera from Song, Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Liyuan opera has been called the “living fossil” of opera and is one of the oldest operas existing in China.

Liyuan opera is sung by Quan melody. It has preserved a lot of important music from Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty and is closely related with the ancient music——Southern Tone. The music of Liyuan opera is mainly played by the bamboo flute and string music instruments.

Nanyin (Southern tone) is an old and beautiful music and is called the “root of the Chinese national music”. Quanzhou is the cradle of the Southern tone. It has become very popular, after it was enriched, matured and optimized by absorbing the strengths from Central China culture, Fujian culture and maritime culture. Embedded in Quanzhou, Southern tone has not only extended to Southern Fujian Province where Southern Fujian dialect is spoken, but also spread to the Southeast Asian countries, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. By passing from one generation to another, it has become increasingly popular as a “home tone” full of strong passion for the loving the hometown and the motherland. Many Chinese and foreign scholars have complimented Quanzhou southern tone as the “treasure in the Chinese classic music”.

Dacheng play is also named Fashi Play, Monk Play, Douist play and originated from the religion and folk activities in Quanzhou. Formed by combining Buddhist and Taoist activities, it is a religious play, rarely seen in China. The play provides religious services for both Buddhism and Taoism. Dacheng Play was born in Quanzhou and nourished by Quanzhou folk arts, and is especially deeply influenced by thread controlled puppet plays. After emerging as a new play, it has displayed its uniqueness in Southern Fujian folk operas due to its super Kongfu and technique.

Dacheng play is known for its kongfu which applies Quanzhou South Shaolin boxing. The opera has preserved lots of folk stunts, acrobatics and dances. By adopting Taoist and Buddhist music, and “Puppet melody” of thread controlled puppets, the music of the opera displays a unique religious charm.