UBR offers a sip of Tang Dynasty's poetic culture

Imagine sitting down for lunch when a boisterous figure in flowing robes raises a cup to toast you. It is Li Bai, China's "rock-star" poet from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), but he isn't on a movie screen or in a textbook — he is standing right next to your table, reciting verses with the fervor of a lead singer.

This surreal and high-energy encounter is the heartbeat of the new "Chang'an" immersive dining experience at Universal Beijing Resort. Running through May 31 as part of the "Infinite Spring" celebration, it marks a bold experiment: taking a homegrown cultural phenomenon — the hit animation Chang An — and giving it world-class theme park treatment.

For foreign visitors, a show anchored in classical poetry might sound like a daunting language exam. Yet, the vibe here is less "study session" and more "Broadway musical". John Rowe, associate creative director, entertainment at UBR, admits that despite the language barrier, the performance moved him to tears during rehearsals.

"When the music comes on, when the characters come to life, I feel really emotional," Rowe said. He emphasized that the show is designed to be funny, lively and exciting rather than academic. It turns out, the "spirit" of the Tang Dynasty — friendship, ambition and the sheer joy of living — transcends language. "While children in the audience might excitedly recite poems along with the actors, adults can appreciate the nuanced humor and sophisticated stagecraft."

This is a prime example of "Chinamaxxing" — reimagining traditional culture for modern enjoyment. Visitors do not merely observe history; they experience it through a carefully curated menu that recreates the culinary aesthetics of the Tang Dynasty.

Sharp-eyed viewers have spotted a striking, deliberate omission in the production: Li Bai never recites his most iconic masterpiece, Qiang Jin Jiu (Invitation to Wine). Far from an oversight, the show's directors explain, the choice is a conscious commitment to historical fidelity. The series centers on a young, aspirational Li Bai in the formative years of his life — long before he penned that magnum opus in his middle age, when his life and worldview had shifted irrevocably. It is precisely this refusal to oversimplify history, or twist the timeline to pander to fan expectations, that anchors the grand, visually sweeping spectacle in unshakable authenticity.

"We don't need to force a blend," film director Zou Jing said when discussing the introduction of Chinese IP into Western theme parks. He drew an analogy to how hip-hop culture resonates with young people worldwide. "You don't need to change who you are; you simply present the most beautiful, authentic parts of your culture. If the poetic realm is deep enough, it naturally sparks curiosity."

The collaboration represents a "mutual rush" between the theme park and the animation studio.

The "Infinite Spring" season isn't stuck in the past, either. It reflects a diverse, modern pop-culture landscape. Just a short walk from the Tang poets, visitors can encounter characters from the global gaming phenomenon Genshin Impact.

Ba Gena, UBR's consumer communications manager, said: "The connecting thread isn't the era, but the spirit of 'setting out'. Whether it is roaming a digital fantasy world, sailing the high seas or wandering 30,000 miles across ancient China, the message is the same — spring is the time to step out the door and start an adventure."

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn