On October 25, a significant academic symposium titled “Commemorating the 130th Anniversary of Mei Lanfang’s Birth” was held in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province. Co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Arts, the National Peking Opera Company, and the Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum, the event attracted distinguished scholars and experts from countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and Hungary, as well as from mainland China and Taiwan.

At the opening ceremony, He Yawen, Deputy Director of the Art Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, emphasized that holding this symposium not only pays tribute to Mr. Mei Lanfang but also aims to carry forward his deep respect for the arts and his dedication to cultural endeavors. She expressed hopes that through in-depth discussions, scholars would generate valuable insights that could support future innovations in Peking Opera and cultural inheritance.

Zhou Qingfu, President of the Chinese Academy of Arts, remarked that Mei Lanfang stood out as an extraordinary figure in 20th-century Chinese opera, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally. He integrated his personal artistry with a sense of nationalism, nurturing artistic practice with his noble character. Mei dedicated his life to the inheritance and innovation of Peking Opera, making significant contributions to the development of China’s opera performance systems. This symposium serves not only to reflect on and summarize his artistic achievements but also to provide new opportunities for continuing the artistic spirit represented by Mei Lanfang and other masters of Peking Opera.

Yuan Huiqin, Artistic Director of the National Peking Opera Company, described Mei Lanfang as a custodian and pioneer of traditional Chinese culture, who brought Peking Opera to the global stage and made Eastern art increasingly luminous through cross-cultural exchanges. She highlighted that Mei’s life exemplified the perfect blend of artistic aspiration and personal charisma, establishing a monumental legacy in Chinese opera.

Li Lizhong, Director of the Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum, pointed out that in-depth theoretical exploration of Mei Lanfang’s artistry and spirit is crucial for constructing a Chinese narrative and discourse system.

The choice to hold this symposium in Meilanfang’s hometown, Taizhou, held particular significance. Wan Wenhua, Deputy Secretary of the Taizhou Municipal Committee and Mayor, stated that Taizhou is committed to shaping itself as “the hometown of Mei Lanfang and a sacred place for opera,” ensuring that the essence of Mei’s artistry is passed down through generations.

During the opening ceremony, Japanese researchers Sasaki Kan and Yoshida Toshiko donated precious historical materials related to Mei Lanfang’s performances in Japan to the Chinese Academy of Arts and the Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum.

The symposium gathered 25 invited experts from both domestic and international backgrounds, along with 40 selected scholars who contributed papers. Over the two-day event, participants engaged in two keynote speeches and three subforums, exploring topics such as Mei Lanfang’s influence on contemporary Chinese opera development, the principles and trends of Peking Opera transmission, the study of Peking Opera’s artistic schools and systems, and research on masters like Mei Lanfang, Zhou Xinfang, and Cheng Yanqiu.