In the early 1960s, Gansu Opera Troupe composed five chapters of the opera Xiangyangchuan.

The creators passionately eulogized the image of the peasants shining with the brilliance of collectivism and promoted the new trend that "when difficulties arise in one place, aid comes from everywhere".

The lyric and music of the opera were mainly derived from the popular folk song Hua'er in Gansu and Qinghai regions. The fresh and elegant, simple and natural, rigid and soft style endowed the opera with strong local characteristics, which is a good attempt to promote the nationalization and popularization of the opera. Its creation and performance are like a blooming flower in the opera garden.

In October 1965, Xiangyangchuan was staged in Beijing. The strong vitality in the socialist era and deep local characteristics deeply attracted the audience and caused a sensation in the capital. Premier Zhou watched the opera twice in Huairen Hall and NPC Auditorium, respectively. Premier Zhou praised the opera, saying "the opera is full of vitality." Premier Zhou also met with the opera creators and had a cordial conversation with them.