Spain's city of Seville on its feet for 'The Imperial Bells of China'

‌It's one of China's most prestigious cultural spectacles, inspired by the Chu Kingdom and a stunning archeological find.

‌Inspired by the discovery of a vast burial chamber known as the 'subterranean palace of music' in China's Hubei province in 1978, an entire set of royal bells used over 2,400 years ago opened a portal to the past.

‌This stunning archeological discovery informs and inspires The Imperial Bells of China as ancient China is brought to life in a time-traveling tale of music, dance and color.

‌With only two shows in Europe this season, one in Lisbon and another in Seville, it was a symbol of friendship and cultural understanding – and in Seville, it was greeted with a sustained standing ovation.

The Chu Kingdom

‌Bells, drums, paintings and dance unlock the mystery and magic of the enigmatic Chu people, bringing imperial rites, rituals and an entire way of being back to life. ‌‌The Chu state dates back more than 2,400 years to an incredible time in ancient China of progress, art and invention. 

‌"Most of the area south of the Yangtze River all belonged to the Chu state," explains Zhou Genyuan, Deputy General Manager of the Hubei Performing Arts Group.

‌"In 800 years, in addition to political and economic development, they also created a splendid civilization. The imperial bells represent one of the greatest chance discoveries in history."

‌The show was created to help the world understand ancient China better.

"I think it will bring people to understand more each other," says Li Jinsheng, Chairman of China Arts and Entertainment Group.

‌"Both Europe and China have great cultural and historic richness, we hope we could bring more Spanish to visit China and hope that we have more Chinese coming to Spain, to Europe, and of course to Seville."

Imperial Bells of China

Backstage, dancer Yan Li is preparing by doing his stretches against the wall.

‌"I'm excited by this cultural exchange, this chance to bring our culture here to Spain," he says. "I'm passionate and enthusiastic about what we do, our mission is to show the marvels of China to the world."

‌The show starts in a mesmeric blaze of light, color, costume and movement. ‌Dozens of performers are on stage at any given time, the Hubei Performing Arts Group putting on a high-energy, multi-sensory show to remember.

‌Yan Li's energy and excitement are returned by a Seville audience that's blown away, judging by the ones talking to CGTN. ‌"An unforgettable experience," says one. "Ten out of 10 - no, 20! The entire thing - divine, spectacular," says another.

‌"It was impressive, I thought that I was living in ancient China," one student from Seville says.

Such emotional reactions are typical of those from around the world. The Imperial Bells of China has been performed over a thousand times in 57 countries – and judging by Seville rising to its feet for a long standing ovation, it's clearly not to be missed.

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