Liyuan Opera originated in Quanzhou during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and was popular in southern Fujian province. The time-honored traditional opera features singing in the Quanzhou dialect.

Liyuan Opera is said to be the oldest form of opera that still exists in China. It is included in the State-level Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Dubbed as the "living fossil of Chinese opera arts", Liyuan preserves many dramas, musicals and stage idioms from the Southern Local Operas during the Song, Yuan (1207-1368) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties and gives people a glimpse into what operas looked like during the Song Dynasty and before.

Check out the video and enjoy the quaint charm of the theatrical genre that dates back centuries.