What were the repertoires performed most often by the Court Theatrical Office? Every emperor had his own preferences. During the Qianlong period, the most popular works were stories of immortals, such as Journey to the West and Investiture of the Gods. The Palace Museum has in its collection a complete set of costumes of the Eight Immortals of Taoism.

During the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor, works that featured martial arts scenes became the most popular form of Chinese opera, making up more than half of the works performed. Stories based on wars and strife such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin, were brought to the stage.