Di Opera, literally Ground Opera in Chinese, is considered the forbearer of many other forms of Chinese opera. Originally without a name, the opera became known as Di because the performers played on a ground stage while the audience watched on slopes rising in all directions.

Di Opera is often performed at a village square or a vacant ground, and the audience usually stands around.

For the Tunpu people living in the Anshun area, Di Opera is something they cannot give up. If there is no Di Opera during the Spring Festival, the fun of the Spring Festival will be taken away. Compared with the exquisite and melodious Peking Opera and Shaoxing Opera, the original and straightforward Di Opera is closer to the form of the Han culture from hundreds of years ago.

The local farmers are the players.

Many scholars believe Di Opera can be traced back to the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when the armed forces of north China entered Guizhou. The forces garrisoning the frontiers not only developed the local economy, but also brought the Central Plain culture to Guizhou. The nuo culture (exorcise culture) of the Central Plain culture gradually blended with local customs and folklore life and created a special kind of sacrificial ceremony. The ceremony would be performed by soldiers in the Tunpu area of Anshun to entertain the gods and ask for victory in battle. After spreading among the populace, Di Opera has becomes a form of popular entertainment among dwellers around Anshun town.

Banner, robe and mask are three requisites for Di Opera at Anshun.