Actresses from the Northern Kun Opera Troupe perform Kun Opera The Peony Pavilion on October 17, 2010. [Xinhua photo]

Although it is called Peking Opera, its origins are not in Beijing but in the province of Anhui. It is believed that Peking Opera gradually came into being after 1790 when Anhui Province's four most famous opera troupes paid a visit to Beijing.

Based upon traditional Anhui Opera, Peking Opera has also adopted repertoire, music and performing techniques from Kun Opera and Qinqiang Opera as well as traditional folk tunes. It took the best from each style and eventually formed its own highly stylized music and performing techniques.

This year marks 220 anniversary of the event that Anhui Province's four most famous opera troupes paid a visit to Beijing in 1790. A series of cultural activities are held in the capital city sponsored by the Beijing municipal government and local cultural institutions.