Peking Opera has an history of over 200 years. The main melodies originated from Xipi and Erhuang , known as Pihuang, in Anhui and Hubei respectively and over time techniques from many other local operas were incorporated. Within Xipi and Erhuang, there are different banshi (modes), developed from a basic tune but varying a bit in beat, rhythm and melody.

Both Xipi and Erhuang have different variations on Yuanban (original mode), Manban (largo), Kuaisanyan (allegro), Sanban (lyrical and loose mode) and Yaoban (swing mode). Xipi also has its own modes of Erliu (two & six), Liushui (flowing water) and Kuaiban (allegro), all different from one another, but also related. Erhuang's special modes include: Pengban, Gunban and Fanerhuang. All this may serve either as independent pieces or can be played in sets to express different feeling.

Singing is prominent as a means of characterization in Peking Opera. Apart from the main Xipi and Erhuang tunes, there are some other tunes, such as Sipingdiao, Manbangai and Gaobozi.