BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Classic opera "Turandot" by the renowned Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini was staged at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing on Thursday.

"Turandot" depicts a love story of a beautiful yet coldhearted Chinese princess who stipulated that any prince seeking to marry her should answer three riddles, which, if he failed to answer, would lead to a death sentence.

Calaf, a Tartar prince, refrained from informing the princess of his real name, striving to melt her icy heart. The princess eventually told the public she would marry the prince and his name was Love.

"Turandot" was the first western opera the NCPA launched after its inauguration. The acclaimed opera has been performed by the NCPA over 30 times since 2008.