China is a country with a vast territory and 56 ethnic groups. People from different regions speak different dialects and operas. Therefore, many local opera forms appeared at the same time as Beijing (Peking) Opera. The Overseas Chinese are not keen on Beijing Opera because of the language issue. Cantonese people are very fond of Cantonese opera, which is well-developed on the basis of indigenous folk music and a storyline based on the Cantonese language's unique singing style.

Cantonese opera shares many characteristics with other Chinese theatre genres. Commentators often take pride in the idea that all Chinese theatre styles are similar but have minor variations on the pan-Chinese music-theatre tradition, making the basic features consistent from one art form to another. Thus, music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics and acting are all featured in Cantonese opera. Most of the story themes within the Operas are influenced by China’s culture, philosophies, history and infamous myths.