Zhao Liang to present part of his 'soul' trilogy in Shanghai

Zhao Liang devotes himself to creating modern dance in a Chinese way. Photo provided to China Daily

Zhao Liang is the vision of a man from ancient China－in a flowing robe and waist-long hair tied up into a neat bun.

Among the country's leading contemporary dancers, Zhao has been pushing the frontier of the art form for more than a decade with his body movements and much more.

The 36-year-old artist, who is also a choreographer, will present his production, The Tea Spell, to audiences at Shanghai Culture Square on Aug 28.

Inspired by China's tea culture and Buddhism, the show that premiered in Berlin in 2012 revolves around a woman's romance with three men.

Audiences are likely to be immersed in an atmosphere of traditional Chinese aesthetics, featuring exquisite costumes, makeup and traditional Chinese opera music.

Zhao, also the show's director, says the work has been rarely seen by Chinese audiences aside from a China debut at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing last July.

"It's not easy to pick up a project after a long gap. Dancers aren't available and emotions change," Zhao tells China Daily. "It only comes alive when it is on stage."