The 2025 version of Flower Rains along the Silk Road on stage at the Gansu Grand Theatre in Lanzhou, Gansu province. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

The 2025 version of Flower Rains along the Silk Road, a classic Chinese dance drama, made its debut in Lanzhou on Aug 28, with performances running until Aug 31.

This milestone production, now in its 46th year, rejuvenates the essence of Dunhuang dance by blending tradition with contemporary expression and technology. 

First staged in 1979, the piece is credited with bringing the ancient murals of the Mogao Caves to life through dynamic movement, establishing the Dunhuang dance genre. Since then, it has been performed over 4,000 times across more than 40 countries and regions, attracting nearly 5.5 million viewers and earning numerous awards.

The new version preserves the origins of Dunhuang dance while making it more relevant for modern audiences. It revives iconic scenes from the 1979 version and increases the technical difficulty and emotional depth through contemporary choreography. The plot is more tightly structured, and character conflicts are more fully developed.

Stage technology blends with traditional aesthetics. Inspired by the murals of the Mogao Caves and the silk, the costume and set design incorporate classical Dunhuang elements. Multimedia projections and lighting create a dreamlike atmosphere, immersing the audience in the historical Silk Road.

Two and a half years in the making, this new version represents both a tribute to classical art and a reinterpretation driven by creativity. It demonstrates the enduring vitality of traditional Chinese culture while proving the timeless appeal of this masterpiece.