The Shaanxi People's Art Theater's rendition of Bai Lu Yuan features impressive stage sets that are reflective of real-life Shaanxi society. The music is inspired by the traditional Qinqiang Opera. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The play debuted to a warm reception in Xi'an, in December 2015. Chinese theater critic Li Longyin declared it "the best play of 2016".

"The advantage of the Shaanxi People's Art Theater's rendition of the novel is obvious because the story takes place in Shaanxi. All the actors were from the province and they speak the local dialect, which adds to the play's authenticity," says Meng.

The Shaanxi People's Art Theater also impressed audiences with its stage sets, which reflect real-life Shaanxi society.

Set designer Huang Kaifu drew inspiration from the province's Folk Art Museum, where he saw relics of Qing architecture.

The patterns on doors and sizes of noodle bowls were re-created to look similar to Qing-era objects.

Director Hu Zongqi says that a highlight of the play is the music, which includes elements from Shaanxi's Qinqiang Opera, a typical Shaanxi folk opera known for high-pitched singing. The composer Zhao Xiaodan read the novel many times before creating the music.

"The function of the music is to help convey emotions of people－not just the characters but also the audiences," the director says.