Intelligent, green, innovative and futuristic: these are the defining traits of Xiongan New Area in north China's Hebei Province, widely dubbed the "city of the future."

From October 23 to 25, 2026, China will host the 2026 Global Governance Forum in Xiongan.

Beyond its strategic role, Xiongan has also inspired artistic expression. In 2023, a troupe of artists brought the spirit of Xiongan and its builders to the stage through the original musical The City of Stars.

In this CGTN interview recorded after the show's 2023 premiere, the production team and cast reveal how music, innovative stage design and advanced machinery came together to recreate Xiongan's iconic "three cities" on stage – the virtual city in the cloud, the physical city aboveground and the subterranean city underground. The lead actor also reflects on his personal journey and his connection with the real-life figure who inspired his character.