Two years ago, I was in the courtyard of Nanjing Kun Opera Theatre, and happened to chat with a few young Kun Opera actors about Zheng He. The pursuit of one's goals, the difficulties of reality, the yearning for foreign lands, and the acknowledgment of fundamental desires. This was what I felt at that time: For some, their hearts may no longer be present, yet they confine themselves in isolation; for others, they may remain in the same place, yet they have traversed a great distance. Under the sturdy roof of the Kun Opera Theatre, amid the pure snow, I felt like I was transported back in time. "At that moment, did he feel the same way too?"
From that moment, I had the idea of creating this production...
[...]
... I often contemplate as such: The voyages of Zheng He take us across vast spaces, and potentially beyond time as well.
– Liu Xiaoyi (Director's Message)