On the evening of September 20, amidst the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, a long line of tourists from around the world gathered outside the west side of the Mogao Grottoes Visitor Center. They were all waiting to experience the world's first immersive cave theater production, "Ancient Sound of Dunhuang."
As the theater doors opened, the audience was ushered into Dunhuang by Bai Xin, the musical prodigy from the Western Regions, to begin a dream-seeking adventure. The entire theater was like a boundless stage. Guided by Bai Xin, the audience walked around, stood up, or sat to watch the show, exploring various spaces and gradually unfolding the narrative of the whole story. This contributed a multidimensional experience that was visual, auditory, and fully interactive.
Within the performance area, there were exquisite replicas of the Dunhuang Library Cave, Buddhist niches, lotus pedestals, and caisson ceilings. Performers in authentic Dunhuang costumes moved with graceful dances and flowing sleeves, while others played stringed instruments, their melodies lingering in the air. Some artists even descended from above as if flying, bringing the mural figures to life right out of the ancient scrolls.
According to Wang Qi, a member of the "Ancient Sound of Dunhuang" production team, the creators undertook meticulous research, which included repeated visits to the Dunhuang Academy and a thorough review of historical literature. They also invited specialists to provide guidance throughout the entire creative process. Every element—from the hues and motifs of the costumes and the acoustics of the instrument replicas to the dance movements and plot development—was meticulously refined. The aim was to immerse the audience in the most authentic Dunhuang culture. Now established as a permanent year-round production, it has become a must-see attraction for any travel itinerary in Dunhuang.
Relying on the IP of "Ancient Sound of Dunhuang," Gansu Performing Arts Group has further innovated and launched "Ancient Sound of Dunhuang – Enchanting Melodies of the Golden Age," deeply integrating music, dance, poetry, and painting. Through creative adaptation, Dunhuang culture is brought to the public in a more vibrant way, attracting more visitors to explore the charm of the Silk Road.
Following the performance, a newly created Dunhuang cultural space within the complex has also attracted many tourists. Centered on the concept of "experiential learning," the space is designed around key elements of Dunhuang culture, including music and dance, murals, ancient music, and Silk Road history, and offers a variety of study programs.
"The new space features five immersive zones: 'Boundless Celestial Music,' 'A Universe of Divine Architecture,' 'The Craftsmanship of Mogao Grottos,' 'Dream Weavers of Divine Artistry,' and 'Seeking for Enchanting Melodic Wonders,'" said Zhang Jing, director of the Ancient Sound of Dunhuang Art Application and Promotion Research Center. Each zone is centered around core elements of Dunhuang culture, utilizing modern techniques such as lighting, sound effects, and interactive installations to vividly present figures like the Flying Apsaras, costumes of the Tang Dynasty, and mural artistry. This allows visitors to gain an intuitive understanding of the grandeur and timeless charm of Dunhuang culture through immersive experiences.
As night falls after the show, the outdoor Shangyuan Bazaar, adorned with red lanterns, came alive. Dunhuang-themed performances like the Flying Apsaras dance and Stomp Dance took turns to dazzle the audience.
Functioning as a hub for performances, dining, study tours, intangible cultural heritage displays, creative products retail, and Western Regions culture, this complex has become a one-stop "cultural living room" where visitors can deeply engage with the essence of Dunhuang.