The Peony Pavilion returns to the stage

The National Ballet of China will perform its acclaimed original ballet The Peony Pavilion from July 22 to 26, marking the long-awaited return of the production after its 2008 premiere.

Based on Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) playwright Tang Xianzu's literary masterpiece of the same title, the ballet is regarded as one of NBC's signature original productions, combining the vocabulary of classical ballet with the poetic spirit of Chinese literature and philosophy.

The revival reunites the production's original creative team, led by renowned theater director and playwright Li Liuyi, who adapted and directed the work. The score was composed by acclaimed composer Guo Wenjing, while internationally renowned designer Michael Simon created the set and lighting. Oscar-winning costume designer Emi Wada designed the costumes, with Han Jiang serving as co-lighting designer. Choreography is by NBC resident choreographer Fei Bo.

Rather than simply retelling a classic romance, the ballet explores the timeless love story of Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei through ballet's expressive physical language. A defining feature of the production is its portrayal of three versions of Du — the heroine herself, the Flower Spirit, and her Kunqu Opera persona — which together illuminate themes of female consciousness, self-discovery, love, mortality, and spiritual transcendence.

Since its premiere, The Peony Pavilion has toured extensively across China and appeared on some of the world's leading stages, including the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Lincoln Center Festival in New York. Its innovative fusion of Chinese classical culture and contemporary ballet has earned widespread acclaim from audiences at home and abroad.

For the 2026 revival, Li and the original creative team have further refined the production while preserving its cultural essence. The new staging seeks to present ballet with a stronger Chinese artistic identity and renewed contemporary relevance, demonstrating how a classic work can continue to resonate with today's audiences.

The production stars the ballet troupe's principal dancer Ma Xiaodong, alongside leading dancers Fang Mengying, Li Siyi, and Ning Long, as well as a new generation of performers.