A large-scale cultural production at the Xinjiang Grand Theatre has returned to the stage after a four-year hiatus, drawing strong audience numbers and earning national recognition, as local authorities continue to promote culture-led tourism development in the region.
The immersive song-and-dance production, Echoes of the Western Regions, resumed performances on May 1, 2024, at the Xinjiang Grand Theatre in Changji, north of Urumqi. More than 2,100 people attended the reopening night, according to the theatre’s operator, marking the production’s first performance since 2020.
The show, which traces the history of the ancient Silk Road through music, dance, acrobatics and large-scale stage mechanics, is staged inside one of China’s most architecturally distinctive theatres — a dome-shaped complex inspired by the snow lotus of the Tianshan Mountains.
A landmark venue
Opened in 2014, the Xinjiang Grand Theatre is the tallest dome-style theatre in China, with a height of 80 metres and a total floor area of more than 100,000 square metres. The project was developed as part of a national cultural tourism initiative and cost approximately 1.76 billion yuan to build.
Designed by architect Meng Jianmin, the building combines Islamic architectural elements with contemporary engineering. Its double-layer steel dome structure set construction records when completed and later received the Zhan Tianyou Award, one of China’s highest honours for civil engineering, in 2020.
Inside, the theatre features a 38-metre-high central dome hall decorated with hand-painted geometric patterns influenced by Islamic art and Dunhuang murals. The main performance space, measuring 4,000 square metres, is the largest indoor stage of its kind in China and is equipped with advanced lighting, sound and mechanical systems designed to allow rapid scene changes.
A revised production
Following its revival, Echoes of the Western Regions was re-edited to a 75-minute format and reorganized into six thematic chapters. The production incorporates elements of regional intangible cultural heritage, including the Twelve Muqam musical tradition and Meshrep communal dance, alongside contemporary stage technology.
More than 120 performers and production staff participated in rehearsals beginning in late 2023, according to the theatre. Additional upgrades were made to audience services, including pre-show performances, art exhibitions in public areas and a newly developed night market adjacent to the venue.
During its first year after reopening, the production staged 210 performances and attracted approximately 250,000 audience members. Theatre officials say the increased foot traffic also contributed to higher activity at nearby hotels and restaurants.
National recognition
In January 2026, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism included Echoes of the Western Regions in its second national list of premium tourism performing arts, citing its cultural content, innovative presentation and economic impact. The production was the only project from Xinjiang to be selected in this round.
The show had previously been recognized in 2024 as a regional case study for promoting cultural exchange among ethnic groups through tourism, according to local authorities.
Audience members interviewed after performances highlighted the immersive staging as a key attraction. “The animals and performers move through the space around you, which makes the experience feel very immediate,” said one visitor from Inner Mongolia. Another audience member from Urumqi said the revised version was “more focused and visually striking.”
Continued performances in 2026
The theatre has scheduled regular performances of Echoes of the Western Regions throughout early 2026, primarily on Saturday evenings, with ticket prices ranging from 168 to 1,280 yuan. Special holiday performances were offered during the New Year period, alongside interactive activities aimed at attracting younger audiences.
According to booking data released by the venue and online travel platforms, demand remained steady through January.
Since its original debut in 2015, the production has been seen by more than three million people. Theatre operator Xinlu Changji Cultural Tourism Development Co. says it plans to continue refining the show while developing additional cultural products for broader audiences.
As part of broader efforts to position Xinjiang as a cultural tourism destination along the Belt and Road corridor, the Xinjiang Grand Theatre has become a focal point for large-scale performing arts, serving both domestic visitors and international cultural exchanges.
