A 2026 upgraded version of the dance drama The Song of Everlasting Sorrow was staged at Huaqing Palace on Feb 1. Nearly 10,000 audience members witnessed the iterative upgrade and contemporary charm of this classic masterpiece.

The audience enjoys the show. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

The upgrade focuses on creating a comprehensive, deeply immersive viewing experience. Further adjustments to the auditorium layout have significantly improve audience viewing comfort, while the newly introduced digital lighting system renders the night scenery of Lishan Mountain and the grandeur of the imperial palace with greater precision, outlining a poetic night scene of the palaces and towers.

The upgraded stage mechanical devices enable seamless scene transitions. The creative team has also delved deeply into the essence of Tang culture and refined every movement detail, retaining the graceful charm of Tang Dynasty (618-907) dance while exploring new emotional expressions.

To further enhance audience engagement, a pre-performance interactive segment was specially designed for this upgrade. The performers transformed into "walking symbols of Chang'an (today's Xi'an)", wandering among visitors and recreating the lively bustle of Chang'an's streets through warm, personal interactions, which drew many attendees. Knowledge of Tang culture was also imparted through interactive Q&A sessions on large screens, turning the waiting time into a rich cultural experience.

A scene from The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

The Song of Everlasting Sorrow has evolved far beyond a local performance to become a cultural symbol of China with global influence. Through its official presence on overseas social media platforms, it has attracted nearly 400 million views worldwide, conveying its message accurately and in real time. The steady growth in international audiences, together with organic sharing by global influencers, has further established it as a must-see performance for anyone seeking to understand Chinese culture.

"We will promote content innovation and enhance the experience of The Song of Everlasting Sorrow through technological empowerment and creative expression, while preserving its classic essence, charting a brand-new chapter for the integration of culture and tourism and the global promotion of Chinese culture," said Feng Chao, a representative of Shaanxi Culture and Tourism Group Co.