PEKING Opera artist Shi Yihong, well-known for her versatility, will be in Shanghai to perform the classic plays “Jin Duan Lei,” “Spring of the Jade Hall” and “Return of the Phoenix” in June as part of her national tour this year. Shi is hailed for her grace and all-round ability on stage, including acting, singing and dancing. The 43-year-old artist, also described as the first lady of Chinese opera, is one of few Peking Opera performers who are also skilled in Kunqu Opera. The national tour is also the first cultural project of the newly launched Shanghai Hong and Mei Culture Media, a collaboration between Shi and finance scholar Mei Jianping. Shi will bring her shows to audiences all over the country, including Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing and Shenzhen. From June 3 to 5, Shi will present three classic plays at Shanghai Yifu Theater. “Jin Duan Lei,” an excerpt from “The Legend of the White Snake” tells how the white snake is suppressed under the Leifeng Pagoda on the banks of the West Lake. “Spring of the Jade Hall” tells the story of a prostitute known as Yu Tangchun who falls in love with the son of a retired minister. “Return of the Phoenix” is a story of two daughters, one is plain and ugly while the other one is beautiful and intelligent. Organizers of the shows say that the artist will also introduce some innovative performing styles. Shi and her team will also collaborate with local schools and training centers to offer basic Peking Opera courses.   Date: June 3-5, 7:15pm Venue: Yifu Theater, 701 Fuzhou Rd Tel: 6322-5294