The Exhibition Plum Blossoms in the East-Meilanfang in Shanghai, is being held with free entrance at the Shanghai History Museum and will continue until Feb 25.

As the best-known Peking Opera master ever, Mei was born in Beijing in 1894 and passed away in 1961. His art and life continue to attract many people's interest.

The exhibition of Peking Opera Maestro Mei Lanfang in Shanghai. [Photo/meet-in-shanghai.net]

Some 191 items related to Mei's life in both Shanghai and Beijing are exhibited, of which 82 are showcased to the public for the first time.

The exhibits include opera scripts, costumes, props, famous paintings and calligraphy, letters, records, theatre artefacts, and precious cultural relics reflecting the unique style of Shanghai. In addition, rare film footage from Mei's visit to the Soviet Union can be seen for the first time.

The exhibition of Peking Opera Maestro Mei Lanfang in Shanghai. [Photo/meet-in-shanghai.net]

The exhibition is divided into five sections — "Heritage: Inheritance of Peking Opera ", "Stunning: Make a Splash in Shanghai", "Embark: Mei's Fragrance for Thousands of Miles", "Blank Space: Proud Plum Blossoms in the Snow", and "Rebirth: Scaling New Heights". With artefacts, props, reconstructed scenes, multimedia interactions, and other forms, the exhibition tells the legendary life story of Mei Lanfang.

Heritage: Inheritance of Peking Opera

The exhibition of Peking Opera Maestro Mei Lanfang in Shanghai. [Photo/meet-in-shanghai.net]

This section serves as an introduction reflecting on the development of Peking Opera during the era of Mei Lanfang's grandfather, Mei Qiaoling. It traces the history of Peking Opera and provides background information on Mei's family.

Stunning: Make a Splash in Shanghai

The exhibition of Peking Opera Maestro Mei Lanfang in Shanghai. [Photo/meet-in-shanghai.net]

Shanghai, a modern city where East meets West and North meets South, has witnessed the vibrant growth of various entertainment activities and cultural endeavours. Mei's journey in Shanghai marked the rise of his fame, the absorption of local cultural elements, and a comprehensive revolution in the art of Peking Opera.

Embark: Mei's Fragrance for Thousands of Miles

The exhibition of Peking Opera Maestro Mei Lanfang in Shanghai. [Photo/meet-in-shanghai.net]

This section highlights Mei's social circle and showcases a group of prestigious individuals who supported him through paintings, calligraphy, and film footage. It also illustrates Mei's success in leading the art of Chinese opera to the world stage.

Blank Space: Proud Plum Blossoms in the Snow

The exhibition of Peking Opera Maestro Mei Lanfang in Shanghai. [Photo/meet-in-shanghai.net]

This section focuses on Mei's artistic career from the period of the War of Chinese People's Resistance against the Japanese（1931-1945） to the War of Liberation（1946-49）. It also emphasises Mei's refusal to perform for the Japanese army during the war and his steadfast national spirit and patriotism, even if it meant giving up singing for eight years and making a living through pawning and selling paintings.

Rebirth: Scaling New Heights

The exhibition of Peking Opera Maestro Mei Lanfang in Shanghai. [Photo/meet-in-shanghai.net]

During the journey of China's development as a new nation, Mei dedicated himself to the construction of socialist culture, transforming from a "generation of theatrical kings" to a "people's artist". Shanghai, as an important base for Red Culture and Mei-style art, witnessed Mei's art and spirit taking on a more profound significance in the new era, becoming a role model for generations of artists.

During the exhibition, the Shanghai History Museum will also host academic seminars, lectures, professional opera performances, offline guided tours by experts, online guided tours, interactive cultural experience courses on opera, and "Mei Lanfang's Shanghai Footprints" – themed city walks.

These diverse activities will allow visitors to experience Mei's artistic charm, personal charisma, and the urban spirit of Shanghai.

Source: meet-in-shanghai.net