Henan Opera is one of the eight famous local operas in China, which was developed 300 years ago. One of the musical instruments is bangs, wooden clappers with bars of unequal length, hence its name Henan bangzi. The opera has derived to five schools: Luoyang Opera was developed in the early period of the Republic of China (1911-1949), and became popular in the 1930s.

Henan Opera is one of the most popular local operas in China. High up on the list of the opera are The White-Haired Girl, Wang Gui and Li Xlangxlang, The Injustice Done to Dou .E, Luoyang Bridge, A Dream of Red Mansions, and The Legend of Peony.

Luoyang Opera derived from ballad singings in Nanyang has developed through three stages. A new kind of opera appeared in the early period of the Republic of China.

Heluo dagu, versified stories sung to the accompaniment of a small drum and other instruments, was developed in the mid-Qing Dynasty. It is also a form of ballad singing.