Mei Lanfang (simplified Chinese: ???; traditional Chinese: ???; pinyin: Méi Lánf?ng) (October 22, 1894 – August 8, 1961) was one of the most famous Peking opera artists in modern history, exclusively known for his qingyi roles, a type of dan role. Méi Lánf?ng is his stage name, and in Chinese it is generally considered a feminine name. His real name was Méi Lán (Chinese: ??). Mei, Shang Xiaoyun, Cheng Yanqiu and Xun Huisheng were known as Four Great Dan in the golden era of Peking Opera.