Turbulent Waves tells the story of a tribal chieftain, leading his clan on a journey by boat from Chaozhou to Hong Kong, across a rough sea. Accompanying him is his son Chaoer, who nearly drowns in the choppy waters. Chaoer also appears as a child (played by Chau Yat) in a flashback sequence, bringing back memories of a time when nature was more friendly and life used to be full of earthly delights.

Director and choreographer Chen Lei explains the logic behind including a child performer in a mix of seasoned, adult dancers. A migration story involves families, including both the young and old, he says. Besides, "child dancers add life and affection to the drama".

The dancers wear no-frills, functional costumes paired with elaborate headpieces and Peking Opera-style masks painted on their faces. Image and costume designer Bacchus Lee explains that the exaggerated theatricality of the headgears and facial makeup are meant to reference the distinctive Yingge get-up, "embodying the contours of traditional Chinese clothing".