A new Chinese-inspired "Turandot" premiered in Xi'an on Nov. 9, blending cultures for the Silk Road Festival.

A reimagined version of Puccini’s Turandot premiered in Xi'an on November 9, 2025, closing the 11th Silk Road International Arts Festival. Featuring Italian tenor Marco Berti as Calaf, the production blended the Chinese folk melody "Jasmine Flower" with Puccini’s score, using Tang Dynasty and Qinqiang Opera-inspired costumes and sets. Directed by Lorenzo Nencini, it presented the opera as a fairy tale with playful staging, emphasizing authentic Chinese aesthetics over Western exoticism. The performance highlighted cultural exchange and underscored Turandot’s enduring global appeal as it nears its 100th anniversary.