Ritual opera

Opera with divine powers (酬神戲) is a form of Chinese opera played at religious ceremonies, including for the gods' birthday, temple opening, at miaohui, ghost festival, Daijiao, and traditional festivals. It is the play performed to welcome the gods' race and is one of a series of celebrations held by the people to thank the gods and reward them for their blessings. Usually performed at temple fairs or theatres. In Guangdong, it is mostly called Shen Gong Xi (神功戲), and in China, in the north, it is mostly called She Xi (社戏) (the word "She" in the word "She Xi" refers to the place where the Sheshen was worshiped in the old days, and there is another saying that the word "She" was a small unit in the ancient region, and the drama was performed in the She, which was called She drama）。On birthdays, where this form of opera is played, are those of the gods: Xuanwu, Guan Yu, Dragon King, Mazu, Shanshen, City God, and Tudigong.

In an opera with divine powers, the opera players sacrifice extensively to a particular god. On stage, they will dress up as gods and goddesses and portray well-known Chinese mythological stories through song, dance, and acrobatics. The opera is usually performed in a breakable large tent next to the temple(s).

This opera genre is very big in Cantonese opera and several performances can be seen every year. The god of Cantonese opera is Huaguangdadi, who is worshiped by all Cantonese opera players.