Yuanqu is a popular literary form in the Yuan Dynasty and the wisdom essence of Confucian scholars in the Yuan Dynasty, including zaju and Sanqu, sometimes referring to zaju. Zaju is a kind of performance form characterized by funny in Song Dynasty, and it developed into a traditional opera form in Yuan Dynasty. Each book is mainly 60% off, with a wedge at the beginning or between folds, and each fold consists of Beiqu divertimento and Bai Bin homophony.

It began in the Song Dynasty and flourished in the Yuan Dynasty. Generally speaking, Yuan Zaju and Sanqu are collectively referred to as Yuan Qu, Zaju is a drama and Sanqu is a poem, belonging to different literary genres. But there are also similarities. Both of them sing in the form of Beiqu. Therefore, Sanqu and Opera are also called Yuefu. Sanqu is the main body of literature in Yuan Dynasty. However, the achievements and influence of Yuan Zaju far exceeded that of Sanqu, so some people called Yuan Zaju "Yuan Qu" or "Yuan Qu".

Historical position

The rise of Yuanqu has a far-reaching influence and outstanding contribution to the development of China's national poetry and cultural prosperity. As soon as Yuanqu appeared, just like other artistic flowers, it immediately showed great vitality. It is not only a convenient tool for literati to express their feelings, but also provides a brand-new art form to reflect the social life of the Yuan Dynasty.