Du Liniang & Liu Mengmei
She died of love, and love revived her
In "The Peony Pavilion," the young Du Liniang dreams of a lover, Liu Mengmei, and dies of longing for him; three years later, their love miraculously returns her to life to marry the real young man.
01Why it matters
It is the masterpiece of Chinese kunqu theater and a hymn to love able to conquer death.
02The conflict
The boundary between dream, death and life.
03The iconic moment
Liu opening Du Liniang's tomb, where she breathes again.
04What survived
"The Peony Pavilion"; kunqu opera.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Du Liniang & Liu Mengmei famous?
It is the masterpiece of Chinese kunqu theater and a hymn to love able to conquer death.
How does the story of Du Liniang & Liu Mengmei end?
Liu opening Du Liniang's tomb, where she breathes again. "The Peony Pavilion"; kunqu opera.
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