Peeking deeper into famed Peking Opera performer's life

The west wing houses interactive installations, such as facial fusion technology and wearable devices, providing an engaging and educational experience that appeals to younger audiences.

These multimedia features aim to attract a new generation of visitors, offering them an opportunity to engage with Mei's art and the rich cultural heritage of Chinese traditional performing arts, says Li.

"There is a section offering audio and visual recordings of Mei, where visitors can listen to his most iconic opera performances. With these recordings, along with vintage vinyl players and film reels, it is a time-traveling experience to enjoy his art," says Liu Wei, a Peking Opera actress trained by Mei Baojiu, Mei Lanfang's youngest son. Mei Baojiu (1934-2016) also performed as a nandan.

Central to Mei Lanfang's legacy is his pivotal role in popularizing Peking Opera on the global stage.

He toured Japan in 1919, 1924 and 1956. In 1930, he toured the United States for about two months, giving shows in New York, Washington and San Francisco, among others. In 1935, he performed in the former Soviet Union and, the same year, toured Europe, captivating Western audiences with his mesmerizing performances.

Reflecting on his role in promoting Chinese culture on international stages, news clippings about Mei's performances abroad, as well as a large wooden box used for storing his costumes when he toured, are exhibited.

"Mei Lanfang's performing style was rigorous and refined yet elegant and beautiful. These valuable exhibits provide a vivid, multidimensional portrait of Mei Lanfang, blending both his public image as a performer and his private life as an individual," says Li Mei, a researcher at the Institute of Literature, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.