On April 7, the Experimental Theater at Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT) was filled to capacity as two captivating performances of We Are the Terracotta Warriors took place in the afternoon and evening. Blending history with modernity, and technology with art, the show offered a unique cultural experience to the university community.
This performance was part of CDUT’s aesthetic education series “CDUT Has Great Shows” and was funded by the university’s “Double First-Class” Cultural Heritage and Innovation Initiative. Brought to life by the Xi’an Children’s Art Theatre, the production impressed the audience with its outstanding performances and imaginative stage design, earning enthusiastic applause and high praise. The event was guided by the Publicity Department of the CDUT Party Committee and co-hosted by the university’s Center for Physical, Aesthetic, and Labor Education, the Youth League Committee, the Academic Affairs Office, and the College of Communication Science and Art. The event was organized in detail by the Public Art Education Center, the Arts and Media Experimental Teaching Center of the College of Communication Science and Art, and the Youth League Committee under the same college.
We Are the Terracotta Warriors is an original play that has been meticulously developed since its inception in 2015. It has received numerous awards both nationally and internationally and was selected for support by the China National Arts Fund. The production draws inspiration from iconic artifacts of Shaanxi Province and, through a cartoon-like and child-friendly lens, brings these relics to life on stage. The play not only conveys historical knowledge in a fun and engaging way but also immerses the audience in the richness of Chinese culture.
The show employs modern technology alongside traditional artistic elements, creating a stunning audio-visual experience. The costume design seamlessly blends cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics, preserving traditional features while adding a modern flair. The music combines the ancient tones of Qin opera with modern pop, striking a balance that appeals to today’s audiences while honoring tradition.
The performing group, Xi’an Children’s Art Theatre, was founded in September 1959 and is one of the earliest children’s theatre troupes in China. Now part of Xi’an Performing Arts Group Co., Ltd., a state-owned cultural enterprise, the troupe has produced 155 plays and performed over 10,000 shows over the past six decades. It has received numerous national accolades from the Ministry of Culture, including “National Advanced Collective in Cultural Work” and “Model of Artistic and Ethical Excellence,” “National Women’s Civilized Group,” and “Advanced Collective of Xi’an.”
Scene from the performance
Scene from the performance
Scene from the performance
President Xu Qiang with the cast
Vice Party Secretary Hu Bing and other university leaders with the cast
University President Xu Qiang, Vice Party Secretary Hu Bing, Standing Committee Member and Head of Publicity Gao Jiguo, along with more than 1,000 students and faculty members, attended the performance and took group photos with the cast. Leaders from the Center for Physical, Aesthetic, and Labor Education, the Youth League Committee, and the College of Communication Science and Art were also present.
The atmosphere inside the theater was electric. Many audience members expressed how deeply they were moved by the play. One student from a general arts education course shared excitedly after the show: “We Are the Terracotta Warriors not only taught me so much about history, but also gave me a powerful sense of the depth and grandeur of Chinese culture. The way the play made learning so enjoyable really sparked my interest in traditional culture.”
Cast members with audience
As the first performance in the “CDUT Has Great Shows 2025” campus aesthetic education series, We Are the Terracotta Warriors kicks off a year of cultural programming. Backed by the Double First-Class Cultural Heritage and Innovation fund, this series aims to present and promote high-quality theatrical productions. It draws upon CDUT’s strong arts education resources to offer immersive cultural experiences on campus. The initiative now hosts monthly performances, attracting nearly 10,000 attendees each year. It has significantly enriched campus life and elevated students’ artistic and cultural literacy. The program also plays a vital role in nurturing CDUT’s vision of cultivating “scientists with passion, engineers with creativity, and citizens with a sense of national responsibility.”
