Dan is the general name for female roles in Chinese opera, often referring to leading roles. They may be played by either actors or actresses. In China, the "Four Great Dans" are Mei Lanfang, Shang Xiaoyun, Cheng Yanqiu, and Xun Huisheng. They were all male actors but played female roles on the stage.

Mei Lanfang (1894-1961)

To opera aficionados, the name Mei Lanfang is synonymous with Peking Opera. During his 50-year stage career, he maintained strong continuity while always working on new techniques. He has well portrayed more than one hundred female roles, from emperor's concubines, daughters of noble families, female generals, to goddesses. Mr. Mei was the first artist to spread Beijing Opera to foreign countries. Thanks to his unremitting introduction of the Peking Opera, the Peking Opera has become more and more popular with people all over the world, making excellent contribution to cultural exchange between China and the West.

Shang Xiaoyun (1900-1976)

Shang Xiaoyun is one of the four great twentieth century performers of the Dan role type, known for his dance and acrobatic skills. His performing style was highly regarded and dubbed the Shang Style. His famous plays include: Mad after Losing Her Son, Liang Hongyu, etc. Shang was also dedicated to training new players. He was the founder of the Rong Chun Opera School.

Cheng Yanqiu (1904-1958)

Born in Beijing, Cheng Yanqiu was the founder of the Cheng Style. He was also the creator of several original opera productions in the 1920's and 30's. Most of his plays were tragedies and the roles he took on were sorrowful. His more famous plays include Unicorn-trapping Purse and Tear on Depress.

Xun Huisheng (1899-1968)

Xun Huisheng was best known for his portrayal of the Huadan roles, women who tended to be more vivacious or even of questionable character. His performing style is called Xun Style. He was good at playing lively and naughty girls and heroines.