On Dec 7, dance drama The Giant Panda premiered at the Guangyuan Grand Theater in Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Stage photo of dance drama The Giant Panda [Photo by Liu Kang]

Rooted in oriental aesthetics, the production celebrated China's romance through its depiction of nature's grandeur. It delved deeply into the symbolic essence of the giant panda, portraying the "national treasure" as a courageous, resilient, and composed figure.

Beyond the wild giant panda, the production introduced a vibrant ensemble of prehistoric wildlife, including blue sheep, saber-toothed beasts, green-tailed pheasants, and dove trees. Set against the backdrop of a primeval natural environment, the drama wove a poignant narrative of life, survival, and coexistence, illustrating the harmonious beauty of an ancient ecological community.

Stage photo of dance drama The Giant Panda [Photo by Liu Kang]

An 80-meter-long scroll, 16 sets of lifting stages, and a movable black-and-white bamboo forest formed the backdrop for the dance drama, which unfolded like an epic poem from eight million years ago. The production, rich with imagination, brought the grandeur of ancient Chinese landscapes to life, set to an enchanting musical score.

"Every frame is like a painting, transporting us to an ancient era for a fantastical journey," said an audience member, Chen Yi.

The Giant Panda stands as a testament to the power of art to celebrate nature and culture, offering an unforgettable feast for the senses.