Xianqiang, commonly known as "Xianhuqiang", originated in Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. At the early period, it was called the marionette show, or “stringed puppet show”, which actors lifted and directed the puppet through strings while singing and telling stories. The theatrical troupe was usually composed of three or five members. The protagonist of the story was sung and told by the master rapper who also played the allegro, and others acted their own parts who were called “the supportive roles”. It maintained the style of the story-telling rap in the Song Dynasty.

Xianqiang or Xianqiang opera is now called “Donglu Xianqiang” or “Hedong Xianqiang”, which actors perform the play instead of acting the stringed puppets and also inherit and develop the early spirit. The structure of Xianqiang is called the Banqiangti style, which belongs to Zhi tone. The music of Xianqiang is divided into two categories: Xianqiang tone and random tune. In terms of the musical instruments, it includes Dake Banhu (a bowed two stringed instrument with a thin wooden soundboard), Maluo (a kind of gong), Zhenzi (hammering block), etc. During its long development, Xianqiang, highly influenced by local Puju Opera and Meihu Opera, turns out to be a dulcet, lingering singing arias and unique performance mode.