Shandong Bangzi (Wooden Clapper Opera) is popular in southwestern cities and rural areas of Shandong province. This particular style of opera, which is also known as “Gaodiao Bangzi”, is commonplace in cities such as Heze, Jining and Taian, and rural areas in Liaocheng and Linyi.

The opera was once called by different names in different regions, before being unified under the name Shandong Bangzi in 1952.

Shandong Bangzi is derived from Shan-Shaan Bangzi, which is native to Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces. It was introduced to Shandong province over 300 years ago. It features passionate tunes depicting Shandong’s culture and folk customs.

The opera has influenced many traditional operas, such as Laiwu Bangzi, Erjiaxian Opera, Sipingdiao and Liuzi Opera from Shandong province; Yudongdiao, an opera from eastern Henan province; Xiangfudiao, otherwise known as Xiangfu Opera; Shahediao, otherwise known as Shahe Opera; and Jiangsu Bangzi from Jiangsu province.

Shandong Bangzi opera was on the list of national intangible cultural heritages in May 2006.