"Twenty-seven years ago, he (Zhang Heping) gave me the chance to play the role of Qiao Anshan and now he came to me with the script of From West to East. I am very grateful and I hope that the play will be enjoyed by the audience," says Liu.

"Chinese food culture is famous worldwide. Food culture is closely related to society. Dong Lai Shun is known for doing hot pot the northern way, also known as shuanyangrou, or instant-boiled mutton. There's plenty of competition these days, but the restaurant remains popular," says Lang, who has directed CCTV's annual Spring Festival gala — one of the most-watched TV shows in the country — five times and directed his first dance drama, The Flower of War, in March.

"We went through the materials about Ding Deshan, learning his stories. He was a man with determination and a warm heart. He wanted to make delicious food for people, so although the restaurant was destroyed several times due to fire, he was strong enough to start over again and again," says Lang.

Lang notes that there will be more than 50 characters in the play. Famous actors and actresses, such as comedian Cai Ming, and young xiangsheng (crosstalk) performer Yang Jiulang, will feature among the cast.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn