Shao opera (Chinese: 绍剧; pinyin: Shàojù), also known as Shaoxing opera, is a regional form of Chinese opera from Shaoxing, Zhejiang.

Shao opera is distinguished by its forceful music, exaggerated singing, and bold movements.

[1] Shao opera is influenced by the singing style from neighboring Yuyao as well as the percussive music from Yiyang, Jiangxi, which converged in Shaoxing at the end of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).

[2] The combined form was first used by shuochang (story-singing) storytellers who took on different roles with singing and music accompaniment.

Before long, the Shao opera music was dominated by the clapper (bangzi) style.