Mei Lanfang, was one of the most famous Peking opera artists in modern Chinese theater. He was exclusively known for his female lead roles (dan) and particularly his "verdant-robed girls" (qingyi), young or middle-aged women of grace and refinement. He was considered one of the "Four Great Dan", along with Shang Xiaoyun, Cheng Yanqiu, and Xun Huisheng. The Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum, a typical quadrangle courtyard in Beijing, was established in October 1986. Hanging on the red-painted gate is the plaque that says "Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum", the characters of which were inscribed by Deng Xiaoping himself. The courtyard was originally a part of Prince Qing's Mansion in the late Qing dynasty. After liberation, the courtyard was revamped, Mei Langfu then moved to the courtyard and had lived here ever since. It was in this small but tranquil courtyard that Mei Lanfang spent his last ten years. After Mei Lanfang passed away, Zhou Enlai, then the Premier of the State Council, proposed to convert it into a memorial museum in memory of Mei Lanfang.

The Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum is divided into two sections. The first section is the back courtyard which contains the reception room, study, bedroom and living room. The layout of all the three rooms were kept as they were. The second section is the front courtyard where all items are displayed. In this section, tourists will be able to catch a glimpse of Mei Lanfang's art activities and social life through the array of preserved pictures displayed. The museum contains over 32,421 collections, including books, pictures, calligraphy and painting, letters, objects, etc.

Ticket: 10 yuan

Phone: 010-83223598 (Ext. 8001)

Opening Hours: 9: 00-16:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Address: No.9 Huguosi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 北京市西城区护国寺街9号