Beijing opera in bikini

Recently, many Chinese netizens suddenly showed interests in Beijing opera, a dying art form in China, all because of a set of viral photos at the China Final of the 37^th Miss Biniki International beauty contest.

According to an article by Sina Entertainment News, the photos were shot at the press conference of the 37^th Miss Bikini International where winners of the previous contest put together a performance, wearing hand-stitched bikinis and head wears typically seen in Beijing operas. The background music was melodies from Kunqu opera, another famous form of Chinese opera.

The director of the event said the combination of bikini and Beijing opera looks is to “promote oriental beauty.”  But most netizens thought it was a humiliation to traditional Chinese culture and a disgrace to a precious art form. Nevertheless, if all Beijing operas were performed in bikinis, more young people would probably be drawn to the theaters.

Bikini 'opera' held in China

A "Miss Bikini" competition in the style of the traditional Peking Opera has divided opinion in China. . Report by Sophie Foster. 

PEKING OPERA CHANGING FACE

After more than 30 years of rapid economic growth. China is paying more and more attention to the preservation and development of its culture, heritage and arts.

Peking Opera, or Jingju in Chinese, is regarded as China's national opera. With a history of over 200 years, it has a complete system of stage performance. 

But as time goes by, traditional cultures need innovation -- and this is becoming a must for Peking Opera. 

The hard part is to figure out how to do so without harming the essence of these intangible cultures.

This is traditional Peking Opera.

And this is Peking Opera in bikinis.