Against the scenic backdrop of Yushan Park in Guilin, the China Coal Mine Art Troupe captivated audiences on Oct 29 with Guangling Juexiang, a musical play inspired by the famed "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove".

The outdoor staging created an immersive experience as traditional music and the sound of nature intertwined, with the title of the play projected onto the surrounding mountains.

The performance features historical figures from the Wei and Jin dynasties (AD 220-420). Through music, drama, and historical records, the show traced the journeys of Ruan Ji, Shan Tao, Ruan Xian, Xiang Xiu, Liu Ling, and Wang Rong, weaving their philosophical insights into ancient guqin melodies like Liushui, Baixue, and Guanglingsan.

According to Gao Zifeng, executive director and actor, Yushan Park's natural landscape enhanced the characters' development. The engraved poetry, inspired by Guilin's Guihai Steles Forest, added a unique touch to the outdoor performance, making it a rare experience in the idyllic setting of Guilin's mountains.

Guangling Juexiang, a musical play inspired by the famed "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove". [Photo/Guangxi Daily]