Dance opera Faxian debuted in Beijing, featuring the journey of famous monk Faxian, from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), June 11, 2016. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Dance opera Faxian debuted in Beijing on June 11, featuring the journey of famous monk Faxian, from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420).

As the earliest pioneer, who traveled via both the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road, 62 year-old Faxian started his journey from Chang'an (now Xi'an in Shaanxi province). He was on a mission to collected completed texts due to the loss of Buddhist scriptures in AD 399. In his 14-year trip, Faxian passed more than 30 countries. He went back to China on the Maritime Silk Road and completed the book Fo Guo Ji, based on his travel.

Most of the drama happens on a big ship he travelled on to return to China. The opera aims to materialize the spirit of Faxian through music and modern dances.