A modern Kunqu Opera recently on stage tells the life story of the late Peking opera master Mei Lanfang. Mei, widely famous for his performance of female leading roles, won the hearts of Chinese and international audiences.

He was the first artist to spread Peking Opera in foreign countries and participate in cultural exchanges with Japan, the US and other nations. As he toured the world, the artist formed friendships with Western contemporaries of his day, including Charlie Chaplin.

The Kunqu Opera opened Wednesday in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, and focused on the early years of Mei's fruitful career.