The Chinese opera "Mulan" has been staged at the Vienna State Opera House. It's the first time that a made-in-China opera has been performed at the famed opera house.

"Mulan" is based on the legendary story of a young girl who lived in China 1,500 years ago. In order to preserve her family's honor, Mulan joined the army disguised as a man to replace her ailing father saving her country from invaders.

Peng Liyuan, a celebrated Chinese folk singer, plays the leading role as the heroine, Mulan while internationally renowned tenor Dai Yuqiang has taken the role of General Liu Shuang.

In written remarks, Austrian Culture Minister Claudia Schmied said the "Mulan" performance would significantly enrich musical life in Vienna. "Mulan" was first staged in Beijing in 2004, later travelling to New York in 2005.

(CCTV September 1, 2008)