Wang Yaoqing (Peking opera)

Wang Yaoqing
Wang Yaoqing plays Queen Mother Xiao in Yanmen Pass.
Traditional Chinese王瑤卿
Simplified Chinese王瑶卿
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinWáng Yáoqīng
Wade–GilesWang Yao-ch'ing

Wang Yaoqing (28 December 1881 – 3 June 1954) was a Chinese actor and singer noted for playing the role of a virtuous adult woman, or qingyi, the most important role in Peking opera. He was from Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an in eastern Jiangsu Province.

Wang was noted for his skills as a long-sleeved dancer, for sword dancing, and for his portrayal of a stylish Manchu lady. He was president of the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts from 1951 to 1954. He taught many other actors, including Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Shang Xiaoyun, and Xun Huisheng, the four greatest male dan role of the 20th century.