Chaozhou Opera is a local opera performed in Chaozhou dialect popular mainly in eastern Guangdong, southern Fujian, Tianwan, Hong Kong and Southeastern Asia.

It is formed and developed through a history of over 430 years till now. As a branch of Southern Opera in Song and Yuan dynasties, it has been integrated with local folk arts such as Chaozhou music and eventually formed its unique artistic form and style. The traditional plays of Chaozhou Opera come from the legends and Zaju plays (poetic drama set to music) of Southern Opera on one hand, and local plays based on legendary folk stories or actual events on the other. The Chaozhou Opera is melodious, gentle and sweet, full of emotions. The over 200 traditional tune names and 1000-plus music of the opera have provided important data for studying the Chinese opera tune patterns. Its obbligato parts has kept traces of ancient music since Tang and Song dynasties, while assimilating the Grand Gong and Drum ensemble of Chaozhou, temple music and folk chansons at the same time, creating euphonious melodies with a blend of orchestral and percussion music, harmonious and full of changing emotions.

On May 20, 2006, the Chaozhou Opera was listed among the first group of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the State Department.