At Xi'an's iconic Huaqing Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its hot springs and imperial history, audiences are witnessing the revival of one of China's most enduring tales through "The Song of Sorrow" – a multisensory performance blending dance, music, and poetic narration. The show dramatizes the ill-fated romance between Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang Guifei, whose passionate bond shaped politics before ending in betrayal and tragedy during the 8th-century An Lushan Rebellion.
Against a backdrop of illuminated pagodas and water terraces, performers in intricately embroidered costumes recreate court ceremonies and intimate moments, accompanied by live guzheng (zither) melodies and percussive rhythms. Advanced projection mapping transforms the palace complex into shifting scenes of Chang'an's golden age and its collapse, offering what director Li Wei describes as "a dialogue between past and present."
The production's historical consultant, Dr. Zhang Ming of Northwest University, notes: "This isn't just entertainment – it's a gateway to understanding Tang philosophy, gender roles, and how personal choices ripple through empires." Evening performances are attracting both cultural tourists and Xi'an residents, with many praising its emotional depth and visual spectacle.
