The sixth National Young Peking Opera Singers Contest, is underway in Beijing. To make it different from past events, the sponsor China Central Television has created a one-minute quiz about performing skills. The new test offers contestants a good opportunity to showcase their comprehensive knowledge.

The new approach is fun. Audience members enjoy the distinctive performances and stunts of varied artists of Peking Opera.

Bao Zheng, was a judge of ancient China, renowned for his sense of fairness and balance. He's become a classic male character of Peking Opera. But could you tell the role is played by a lady if she were wearing make up?

The sixth National Young Peking Opera Singers Contest, is underway in Beijing.

The sixth National Young Peking Opera Singers Contest, is underway in Beijing.

Liu Jiaxin, contestant, said, "My friends helped me to remove the makeup before the part. I just want to let everyone know that I'm a girl who plays male character."

Qiu Jirong, contestant, said, "What Peking Opera tells us is that the art is a comprehensive system blending singing and performing. It is extremely hard to play."

80 young artists will compete in 11 finals for the top three honors in nine categories. The performing skills are graded and scores tallied to render results.

(CCTV December 12, 2008)