The roots of Jingju and music-dramas reach far back into the history of China, for as early as the Zhou dynasty (1100–221 bc), records of ritual dance exist. Dancing was used in ceremonies and festive events, and was often embellished with spoken words and musical accompaniment.

The integration of these performance elements found in ancient dance continues on as the essence of Chinese indigenous theatre.

Succeeding dynasties saw the addition of other significant components of performance that contributed to the foundations of traditional Jingju.