This chapter explores Mei Lanfang’s 1930 U.S. tour as a landmark case of people-to-people (P2P) cultural diplomacy through Peking opera. Drawing on rich local newspaper coverage, it highlights the grassroots, self-funded, and non-political nature of Mei’s engagements across eight major cities. Despite political tensions, economic depression, and cultural misunderstandings, Mei’s performances captivated diverse audiences and challenged prevailing stereotypes. The chapter argues that local media played a critical yet underappreciated role in shaping public perception, and that Mei’s personal charisma and persistence were central to his success. His tour offers enduring insights into the human dimension of effective cultural diplomacy.