Li Shifang

Biography

Li Shifang (1921-1947), born Li Fulu in Suiyuan's Salaqi (now Baotou, Inner Mongolia), was the son of renowned Jin opera actors. His family relocated to Beijing in 1931, where he entered the Fuliancheng opera school, specializing in qingyi and huadan roles. He studied under masters including Mei Lanfang and Shang Xiaoyun. From 1935 he was known as "Little Mei Lanfang." In 1936 he was voted "Child Actor President" and recognized as one of the "Four Young Dan Stars." He formed the Chengfang Troupe in 1940 for touring performances. He died in 1947 in a plane crash near Qingdao at age 26.