Nearly 40 years after its sensational debut, the dance drama "Silk Road" has returned to the Chinese capital - this time as the centerpiece of the ongoing "Meet in Beijing" Arts Festival. It's been hailed as a magnum opus, a piece of stage art that epitomizes Chinese culture, and for two days it captivated audiences at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. Song Yaotian has the story.

The four-decade-old dance drama has been performed countless times both in China and abroad. With a gripping story and presenting a cream of classical Chinese dance and music, the dance drama has toured many countries and graced theaters in New York and London. Former Pakistani President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq said it was the best performance he ever had seen.

"Silk Road" follows the gripping story of a fresco painter, his daughter and a Persian merchant. Fresco painter Zhang and his daughter Yingniang saved the life of Persian merchant Yunus. Yunus returned the favor by taking Yingniang to Persia to escape a vicious local tyrant. The villain faced justice in the end, but at a great cost to the story's protagonists.

It's a tale of friendship that strikes a chord with many, and the emotional bond between the father and daughter is also touching. Inspired by his daughter's dance moves, painter Zhang creates a famous mural scene with Asparas playing the pipa, the stringed Chinese musical instrument.

When it came out in 1979, the dance drama became a huge hit across China.

FENG SHUANGBAI, DIRECTOR CHINESE DANCERS' ASSOCIATION "Silk Road caused quite a stir when it debuted in Beijing. Every one in the cultural circle was talking about this dance drama. It has been a standout stage production in many ways, not only in dance, but in fine arts, in literature, poetry and drama. It was a very big topic back then."

The Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theatre has performed the stage sensation for decades. This version was made in 2008, and the lead actress Kang Qi, playing Yingniang and lead actor Wang Zihan, playing painter Zhang, have performed the role more than a hundred times. Both are very excellent young dancers who have won national awards.

KANG QI DANCER "I'm the 21st actor to play Yingniang. I feel very lucky and proud to be the incarnation of the role who can disseminate the Dunhuang culture."

WANG ZIHAN DANCER "To portray the lead in such a dance drama classic like 'Silk Road' is a dream for every dancer. I'm very lucky to be part of this. I feel very lucky to play the role of painter Zhang, which is a meaningful role."

Choreographers of the dance drama deliberately researched the murals of the Dunhuang grottos, and imagined the possible dance moves in each picture. The dance has been hailed as moving "Dunhuang murals". It has also been regarded as one of the two dance drama classics, with the other one being "Red Detachment of Women".

When it comes to the revisions made to cater to today's audience, compared to its original version, the troupe director had this to say.

LU JINLONG, DIRECTOR GANSU SONG & DANCE TROUPE "This 2008 version has sped up the pace, shortened the time from 130 minutes to 110 minutes, to cater to the quick pace of our current era. We also further sharpened the color contrasts on the stage. Based on the Dunhuang dance moves, we've also incorporated folk dance styles and modern dance moves. We've enlarged its capacity and enriched its attractions."

The troupe will bring the show to Australia later this year. The show has enchanted whenever and wherever it goes.

SONG YAOTIAN BEIJING The mystic and extravagant treasure trove of Dunhuang grottos and the bustling trade scene along the silk road during the Tang dynasty are engagingly depicted and intertwined into an absorbing storyline. Arguably being the best known dance drama classic, "Silk Road" has been performed for 2800 times in more than 20 countries and regions since its debut in 1979, nearly 40 years ago. It has been renewed for many times to guarantee its timeless appeal over generations.