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Also dubbed Luantan, Qinqiang Opera is a local Chinese opera that mainly thrives inShaanxi Province, as well as its neighboring regions in Northwest China, likeGansu Province,Qinghai Province,Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionandXinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

It is said that the opera was called "the emperor Qinshihuang's opera" during the Tang period (618-907) and was later renamed Qinqiang Opera, which boasts the most ancient, affluent and largest musical system of all Chinese operas. 

The opera first originated from local folk songs and dance forms in theYellow RiverValley of Shaanxi and Gansu provinces -- the birthplaces of Chinese culture. As an opera art form, Qinqiang evolved in ancient China's political, economic and cultural center - Chang'an -- with the persistent efforts of the local people over generations. According to historical records, the opera "first appeared in theQin Dynasty(221-207BC), experienced great refinement in theHan Dynasty(206BC-220), flourished in the Tang, was integrated as an opera form in theYuan Dynasty(1271-1368), matured in theMing Dynasty(1368-1644) and became widespread in theQing Dynasty(1644-1911)." Its time-honored history has endowed Qinqiang with a reputation as "the forefather of Chinese operas".

Its repertoires usually feature such themes as anti-aggression wars, the fight between the loyal and the treacherous, and the struggles against oppression, as well as a number of other topics of strong human interest that reflect the honest, diligent, brave and upright characteristics of the local people. The number of the Qinqiang works topped 10,000, ranking first on the list of more than 300 local operas in China. But only about 4,700 works remain today. 

Qinqiang is also one of the earliest operatic musical systems to reflect the emotions of human beings. Equipped with a set of performing skills created by the artists, Qinqiang has greatly influenced other operatic forms. During the Qing Dynasty, Qinqiang Opera entered Beijingand directly affected the formation ofPeking Opera. Qinqiang Opera thrived during the reign of EmperorQianlong(1736-1795) when Qinqiang troupes were disseminated throughout the country; In Northwest China's city ofXi'analone there were 36 Qinqiang troupes.