méi 梅

Mei Xun His courtesy name was Changyan. He was from Xuancheng in the Song Dynasty. He was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and served as the governor of Xuzhou. He liked to light two burners of incense, cover them with his official robe to fill his sleeves with fragrance, and then open his sleeves after sitting down, filling the room with a strong aroma. He was known as "Fragrant Mei". Mei Lanfang (1893 - 1961) His given name was Lan and courtesy name was Wanhua. He was from Taixing, Jiangsu. He was a famous performer in Peking Opera in modern times. He was born into a Peking Opera family in Beiping. In the early stage, he learned the role of young female characters from Wu Lingxian and Qin Zhifen. With exceptional talent and superb skills, he became well - known throughout the country. Later, he innovated and created in aspects such as the singing, recitation, music, costumes and dance of female roles, opening up a new path for the performing arts of female roles and playing a connecting and pioneering role in the history of Peking Opera. He went abroad three times, performing in Japan, the United States, the Soviet Union and various places in Europe. Both Pomona College in Los Angeles, USA and the University of Southern California awarded him honorary doctorates in literature.