October 22 this year marks the 120th birthday of Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), one of the most famous Peking opera artists in modern history, who established the Mei School of Peking Opera. He had made prominent contribution to the improvement and popularization of Chinese Peking Opera. Let's have a close look at Mei Lanfang's artistic life and Chinese national opera - Peking Opera. 

Born in an opera actor's family in Beijing, Mei Lanfang began to learn opera performing at eight. At the age of twenty, he became famous in Beijing and Shanghai. As an outstanding Peking Opera representative serving as a link between the past and the future, Mei Lanfang was brave in conducting reforms and innovations in numerous areas such as music, dressing, performance and dance. 

Furthermore, Mei Lanfang created the "Mei School" art of Peking Opera with unique performing mode and aria by assimilating the performance of Qingyi (a female role), Huadan (a vivacious young woman), Daomadan (a female warrior role) and other roles.
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Interview with Peking Opera master

Mei Lanfang's son discusses
father's impact on Peking Opera