In the twilight years of the Qing Dynasty, the young Western-educated aristocrat Deling is summoned to the Imperial Palace where she comes face-to-face with the authoritative Empress Dowager Cixi and her constrained son Emperor Guangxu.

Worlds collide as Deling’s sharp intellect and sincerity breathes life into centuries of rigid imperial tradition, shattering boundaries while bringing warmth to a severe, methodical world. Despite their differences, the two strong-willed women forge a special bond through tears and laughter that unites them in times of turbulence and transformation.

With a stellar cast led by Jiang Shan, Lang Ling and Xiao Yuliang, Deling and Cixi is a resplendent cinematic feast that transports audiences back to the opulent heyday of the Forbidden City at the turn of the 19th century. This captivating palace drama shines a lavish light on a deep-rooted way of life struggling to preserve its identity in the face of a rapidly approaching future.

Written by celebrated Chinese playwright He Jiping, whose classic Top Restaurant 《天下第一楼》was presented at Esplanade in 2017, Deling and Cixi is a tale that transcends history and captures the spirit of a new millennium.

This production is a tribute by Fairchild International Culture to Chinese language classics.

Produced by: ChicPia / Damai Mailive / Fairchild International Culture / Baiyue Culture

Producer: Li Dong

Director: Szeto Wai-cheuk

Revival Director: Li Ren