Empress of the Tang Dynasty is China’s first large-scale Tang Palace music and dance drama. Centered on the legendary journey of Wu Zetian—from her entry into the palace to her ascension as emperor—it unfolds in five acts to showcase the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. The performance integrates Tang Palace music and dance, a classical orchestra accompaniment, and cutting-edge numerical control stage technology, pioneering the integration of "royal banquets" with performing arts. As a classic cultural tourism project, it has staged over 10,000 performances and welcomed more than 8 million visitors.
Wu Zetian, the Empress of the Tang Dynasty, stands as a legend in Chinese history and a key architect of the Tang Dynasty’s prosperity. She served as consort to two emperors, mother to two emperors, and assisted Emperor Gaozong in governing the court for nearly three decades. Ascending the throne at 67, she was crowned "Holy Martial Emperor," becoming China’s only legitimate female emperor to rule for nearly half a century. Her reign bridged the Zhenguan Reign of Great Governance (under Emperor Taizong) and the Kaiyuan Era of Prosperity (under Emperor Xuanzong), leaving indelible historical contributions. As an exceptional ruler in Chinese history, Wu Zetian’s era witnessed numerous miracles of the Tang Dynasty’s golden age.
Empress of the Tang Dynasty is divided into five acts: The Selection of Concubines, Unauthorized Entry into the Wende Hall, Military Campaigns, Two Emperors Reigning Together, and Ascension to the Throne. These acts artistically depict Wu Zetian’s life through gripping narratives. The performance employs world-leading and nationally innovative mechanical and special effects technologies, while preserving the live accompaniment of a classical orchestra and solo performances on the Tang-era paixiao (panpipes), ensuring its artistic excellence.
The entire performance features music exclusively based on Tang Dynasty court classical folk tunes, with a live orchestra creating a grand and imposing soundscape. The grace of ancient imperial bands is vividly recreated, transporting audiences across a millennium to share this magnificent banquet with the emperors. Coupled with stunning stage design, moving classical music, dramatic storytelling, and top-tier lighting effects, the show not only showcases the legendary life of a great empress but also allows viewers to traverse time and witness the brilliance of Tang music and dance, as well as the charm and grandeur of Tang culture.
Xi’an Tang Yue Palace, a key window for Shaanxi Province’s cultural promotion, is hailed as the "Oriental Red Mill." Within it, the Empress of the Tang Dynasty performance at the Tang Yue Palace Song and Dance Theater stands as an unmissable classic.
