Silk Road-themed musical explores how ancient trade network went through a culturally rich and diversified section of the world, Chen Nan reports.

Anew musical featuring Chinese and international artists, Sound of the Silk Road, was staged at the China National Opera House in Beijing on Friday, and will also be performed on Saturday night. A national tour will follow after the shows in the capital.

The musical follows the story of a teenager named Joey, who, while visiting a museum, accidentally travels back 2,000 years and arrives in Chang'an (today's Xi'an), capital of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24). During his journey, he makes friends with a young, upright man, and a brave and kind teenage girl. Together, they accomplish various missions and develop a deep friendship.

Chang'an, the capital of many ancient dynasties, was also the eastern departure point of the Silk Road. The musical presents the culture and history of various countries along the Silk Road, allowing the audience to better understand its civilizational legacy.