Chinese artists this year will produce China's first opera with a dragon and phoenix theme, in the world-famous scenic spot of Zhangjiajie, in central China's Hunan Province.

The opera will be made into a 1,000-minute TV series in 20 parts, assembling more than 200 folk songs and dances from ethnic groups in Zhangjiajie, including Han, Tujia, Miao, Dong, Bai, Mongolian and Tibetan. The script will draw on local proverbs and legends, and background music will feature musical instruments from local ethnic groups.

Such national troupes as the Central Nationalities Orchestra and the China Opera and Ballet Theater will accompany the opera. International stunt designers will be invited to stage displays featuring legendary heroes and their exploits.

Meanwhile, China's 1st dragon and phoenix theme park will also be built in Zhangjiajie, a listed world heritage site.

Composer and director Yao Yuan hopes the opera, a blend of Chinese mythologies, love stories, music and natural sceneries, will eventually be put on the world stage.

The dragon and the phoenix have symbolized fortune and happiness in traditional Chinese culture for thousands of years.

( Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2002)