Beijing opera is the most representative of all Chinese traditional dramatic art forms and the largest Chinese opera form.Having a history of over 200 years，it is developed from absorbing（吸收）many other dramatic forms，mostly from the local drama "Huiban"，which was popular in South China during the 18th century.It is a scenic （舞臺布景的） art integrating music，performance，literature，aria，and face painting.
    Theatrical art forms in many other countries do not present singing，dancing and spoken parts in one single drama.An opera singer，for example，neither dances nor speaks on stage；there are no singing or dancing parts in a modern play；in a dance：drama，the dancer has no speaking role and does not sing either.Traditional Chinese drama，including Beijing opera，is a kind of entertainment which includes spoken parts，singing，dancing and acrobatics.
    In addition to its presence in China，Beijing opera has spread to many other places.Mei Lanfang，one of the most famous performers（表演者） of all time，was the first to introduce Beijing opera to foreigners and made highly successful tours to foreign countries.
    "You will be puzzled （困惑） all the way through and a little bored from time to time，but you will be .charmed and interested.You will be strongly attracted to Beijing opera even if you know nothing of the dramatic background." This is how one American traveller described his first experience in watching Beijing opera.
    Beijing opera is China's national opera and it is full of Chinese cultural traditions.Welcome to China and enjoy Beijing opera!

（1）What's the importance of Beijing opera？

Beijing opera is the most representative of all Chinese traditional dramatic art forms and the largest Chinese opera form.

Beijing opera is the most representative of all Chinese traditional dramatic art forms and the largest Chinese opera form.

（2）What's the difference between Beijing opera and theatrical art forms in many other countries？

Beijing opera is a kind of entertainment which includes spoken parts，singing，dancing and acrobatics.Theatrical art forms in many other countries do not present singing，dancing and spoken parts in one single drama.

Beijing opera is a kind of entertainment which includes spoken parts，singing，dancing and acrobatics.Theatrical art forms in many other countries do not present singing，dancing and spoken parts in one single drama.

（3）Why do people think Mei Lanfang played an important role in the spread of Beijing opera？

He was the first to introduce Beijing opera to foreigners.

He was the first to introduce Beijing opera to foreigners.

（4）What can we know from the American traveller？

Foreign friends have high praise for Beijing Opera.

Foreign friends have high praise for Beijing Opera.