A variety show titled "Hangzhou is most memorable" staged during the G20 summit on Sunday night thrilled and entertained world state leaders and their spouses, as well as the public.

The director of the show, Zhang Yimou, revealed stories from behind the stage during an interview with China's Central Television.

Swan Lake dance over water uses new technology

Zhang revealed that high-tech holography was used during the show, which presented the relations between humans and images. "The technology was commonly used in indoor shows during recent years, while for outdoor performances, especially on the surface of water, in a purely natural scene, it was probably the first time it was used", Zhang said. "It was more difficult than the opening ceremony of the Olympics." Zhang masterminded the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Swan Lake show in the gala combines holographic images and real performers, Zhang said.

"Dancing Swan Lake on the West Lake is quite special, we jokingly said that it is probably the first dance on a real lake since the creation of the classic Swan Lake", said Zhang.

Combining Chinese and Western classical music

"I chose a symphony, as it is elegant and refined, and more importantly, it is a universal language", Zhang Yimou said. He thinks that G20 summit is a "universal language", a summit where the world has dialogues with each other and works towards progress together.

Zhang said world famous music such as Swan Lake, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and classic Chinese music are all "universal language", and they express emotions and forces that can be understood by all humans.

To conduct a symphony concert on a natural lake is unprecedented. Liu Fuyang, the head of the dance troupe was baffled by his most familiar dance, as he had to complete the dance The Butterfly Lovers with his partner 3cm below the water's surface. "Dancing in the water, you will encounter resistance, and the costume will get wet, which creates challenges for the dancer's skills."

Besides, making the make-up and hair style waterproof and sweatproof also posed challenges for stylist Yi Ming. "Considering the whole atmosphere and temperament, the makeup has to be elegant and fresh like Chinese ink and wash", Yi said. To make sure the actors looked their best, Yi Ming used the most adaptable cosmetics after much trial and error.

People from all walks of life praise show

"So beautiful!" Tatina, a reporter from Russia, exclaimed while she was watching the live show on TV. "This is a beautiful city. I have been busy all day long, and watching such a beautiful show makes me relax. Now my work is done, I would like to go to the West Lake for a walk."

"I am moved to tears! I love my country! I love Hangzhou!", Sun Danyuan, an employer from a Hangzhou company said on his Wechat, posting photos of the evening gala.

Guan Xia, director of the China National Symphony Orchestra said after the concert, "The show, after more than a year's preparation, is no longer just a music show, but a cultural calling card for the country. Telling Chinese stories, airing Chinese voices, delivering Chinese emotions, let the world enjoy Oriental charm, feel China's sincerity and wisdom!"