In the backstage of the Mei Lanfang Theatre in Beijing, Jiang Meiyi, a young performer from the National Peking Opera Company, is applying her makeup and dressing for the upcoming performance. As the Chinese Year of the Horse approaches, she is set to portray Mu Guiying, a Daomadan role and also a legendary female general in Chinese folklore who represents courage, loyalty, patriotism and wisdom.

A Daomadan is a special role in Chinese Opera representing a female warrior or general. To break the word down by characters, Dao means sword in Chinese, Ma means horse, and Dan means female roles in Chinese Opera. Unlike other female roles that focus only on singing or acting, a Daomadan must be able to sing, act, and perform high-level martial arts and acrobatics, usually while pretending to ride a horse.

Dai Zhongyu, an actress from the National Peking Opera Company, plays the role of Mu Guiying in Beijing People's Theatre on January 18, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of National Peking Opera Company

During interviews with young performers at the National Peking Opera Company and through in-depth experiences of performing as a Daomadan, Global Times reporters found that mimicking riding a horse may be one of the most challenging aspects of the performance.

Without an actual horse on stage, a Daomadan relies on her steps, postures, and expressions to vividly convey the imagery of riding a horse, wielding a whip, and charging across the battlefield. A light tap of the horsewhip on the ground signifies halting the horse, while raising it overhead and pointing forward represents urging the horse to charge. Rapid, small steps mimic the galloping of hooves, and turning while fixing the gaze ahead simulates guiding the horse and surveying the path ahead.

For Jiang Meiyi, portraying Mu Guiying involves blending the martial aura of a warrior, the spirited "horse rhythm," and the nuanced grace of a female character. Wearing nearly 15 kilograms of traditional attire, her stunning performance earned a standing ovation from the audience. 

French visitor Piller told the Global Times reporters at the National Peking Opera Company that he had watched Peking Opera in Toulouse, France. He found that even with language barriers, it does not hinder understanding or appreciation of this art form. In her view, Peking Opera is a "world thing" and "global art."

Two actors conduct their daily performance training in the National Peking Opera Company in Beijing, China, on January 22, 2026. Photo: Chen Tao/GT

Jiang Meiyi, an actress from the National Peking Opera Company, plays the role of Mu Guiying in the Mei Lanfang Theatre in Beijing on January 3, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of Jiang Meiyi