Hangdang is a technical term of the Peking opera and it is the unity of the image type and pattern. The characters in the play act differently according to different roles requirements. Hangdang is a special performance system of Chinese operas. From the perspective of contents, Hangdang is the visualized type of the art and standardization of the characters in the play. From the perspective of form, Hangdang has a classification system of characteristics colors. It may be difficult for the students from abroad to understand the terms of Chinese opera even they know how to learn Mandarin. Among the forms of Hangdang, Shenghang is the general term used to describe the characters who act female ones. Shenghang includes Laosheng, Xiaosheng, Wusheng, Hongsheng and Wawasheng, among which Hongsheng and Wusheng have types of facial makeup in operas while others are without any makeup on their face.

Laosheng is a form of Shenghang. Laosheng refers to the middle-aged and the elderly female actors, who always play the positive roles that are upright and prudent. The beard is often used to refer to the age of the actors, thus, this kind of actors are also called Xusheng. For example, the black beard is used to refer to the middle-aged while the white beard is used to refer to the elderly. There are many classifications of Laosheng. For example, Singing Laosheng is the one who performs the singing solemnly and serenely. Kaoba Laosheng is the one who is good at long sword and spear. Wu Laosheng is the one who is good at acrobatic fighting.

Xiaosheng is another form of Shenghang. Xiaosheng is mainly to perform the stripling. According to the different characters, the actors may act handsome and elegant young people. This kind of actors do not wear beard and they combine true and fake sound to perform the play. The sound is clear and full of power. The overseas students who are interested in the Beijing operas and are to take qualified Mandarin program will be told that Xiaosheng is divided into two kinds, namely civil and military ones. The civil ones include the officials whose family is civilian. The civil ones are young, elegant and gentle.

Shenghang also include the Wusheng who mainly centers on fighting and tussle. Wawasheng is also an essential part of the Hangdang. From the literal meaning of the term, it can be seen that Wawasheng mainly plays the roles of children.