Cantonese opera, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty, is one of the major categories in Chinese opera. It is popular in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia. Cantonese opera has much in common with other Chinese theatre genres. Most Cantonese opera plots are based on Chinese history, classics and myths.

There are two types of Cantonese opera plays: Mou (martial arts) and Man (highly educated). Mou plays emphasize war while man plays are gentler and more elegant. Water sleeves are used in man plays to produce movements reflecting the elegance and tenderness of the characters; all female characters wear them.

Applying makeup for Cantonese opera is a long and specialized process. One of the most common styles is the "white and red face": an application of white foundation, with red around the eyes and on the cheeks. Lipstick is usually bright red. Actors are given temporary facelifts by holding the skin up with a ribbon on the back of the head. Each character's makeup has its own characteristics, with symbolic patterns and coloration.

Hoong Ceen Leui (红线女, Hóngxiànnǚ) is a dominant figure in Cantonese opera, her distinctive performing style is practiced by every single Female Role (Far Darn) in the Cantonese opera school in Guangzhou.