This book systematically presents the evolution of Chinese Quyi, tracing its origins from prehistoric myths to contemporary performance. It offers a chronological survey of genres such as guci, pinghua, xiangsheng, and kuaiban, and analyzes their narrative, musical, and aesthetic features. Through rigorous examination of historical documents, artifacts, and performance case studies, chapters map key developments in court and folk contexts. The volume highlights the role of master artists, script forms, and stage design, and reflects on Quyi’s ongoing transformations in digital and globalized cultural landscapes. Readers will gain a comprehensive overview and discover new pathways for interdisciplinary research and intercultural dialogue.

Ni Zhongzhi (1936–2016) was a distinguished Quyi scholar and educator at the Chinese National Academy of Arts. He authored seminal works—including Chinese Quyi History, History of Chinese Crosstalk, and Quyi Folklore—and published numerous papers recognized for filling critical gaps in Chinese art history.