"Unlike the other creative members, I have no background in Peking Opera. I only did productions for Peking Opera," says Gao, who is best known for his work on the 1998 production of Giacomo Puccini's Turandot, directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, at the Forbidden City in Beijing. "It allowed me to think of and envision the stage with a fresh perspective. I love elements of Peking Opera shows, so I amplify those elements in my designs."

This time, Gao locates rods, a commonly seen stage prop used in Peking Opera productions, which are mostly used by male roles during martial arts scenes to enhance their stage presence.

Gao applies the rods as a tool for space division and scene symbolism. The actors can use the rods to symbolize weapons or battle scenes. In a more majestic and dignified setting, such as the imperial court, the rod can be used more subtly to signify power and authority.

Before Yan Zhenqing, the NCPA and the Jingju Theater Company of Beijing collaborated on other Peking Opera productions, including Red Cliff in 2008, the first Peking Opera production by the NCPA a year after it opened; and You and Me in 2013 by film director Zhang Yimou.