The orchestra, wen wu chang, is typically a small ensemble of about six or seven musicians situated at one side of the stage. Experienced musicians know the music so well that they usually perform from memory. The conductor is the percussionist who plays a drum and wooden clappers. String instruments, wen chang, include a high-pitched fiddle or a two- stringed Chinese viola, hu chin, a three-stringed lute, san hsien; and a four-stringed Chinese banjo or moon guitar, yueh chin. The main function of the string instruments is to accompany the singing; however, they may also be used for special effects, such as a rooster crowing or a horse neighing. The wu chang are percussion instruments, such as drums, ku; wooden clappers, pai pan; gongs of various sized, luo; and cymbals. The orchestra may also include a bamboo flute and an oboe.

The musical accompaniment also punctuates the spoken parts. The head percussionist not only conducts the accompaniment but also coordinates the development of the dramatic action. The various gongs are also used to coordinate the action as well as the position and personality of each character as the plot develops. The large gong is used in serious, exciting, and formal situations or settings, such as a government office or a military post, and also to accompany the actions of the sheng and ching roles. The small gong is used to relax the action, accompany humorous situtations, accompany the actions of young maidens and clowns, and create a quiet atmosphere for settings such as a household, a temple, or a convent. Generally, the large gong accompanies the actions of important persons; the small gong, ordinary persons. For a classically grained Western musician, the high decible percussion accompaniment seems almost deafening at times.

The dramatic effect is significantly enhanced through a skillful use of astract choreography and acrobatics designed to manifest the personality of the various characters. Training in supple body movements, therefore, is as important as vocal training in the education of actors and actresses for Chinese opera.