A scene from rehearsals of horse show Troy. [Photo: youth.cn]

After preparations of over three years, horse show "Troy," with investments of nearly 300 million yuan, will premiere at Beijing's National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, on Friday, August 4th, 2017.

The story features different epic characters including the Unicorn, Pegasus, the ancient Greek beauty Helen and the heroic figure Achilles. Featuring 72 world-famous horses, Troy inserts animal performances into the storyline of Greek mythology The Trojan War.

Director Liu Xiao said that they use horses to tell the mythology. That means the horses are their actors. Species include the Shire horse, which is the world's largest horse in size and can dance to rhythms. Meanwhile, small miniature horses will also participate in the performance.

Actors for the show are selected from 12 countries in auditions that lasted for six months.

The epic show is not a performance of horses nor a performance of humans, but a combination of both. Designed by Italian fashion designer Simona Morres, the performing costumes will highlight the characteristics of ancient Greek clothing.

In addition, high technologies will be used to enhance the performance effects,including eight IMAX projectors.

The Trojan War recounts the legendary 10-year conflict between Greece and Troy over the beautiful Helen.

The war has become one of the most important events in Greek mythology and has been narrated through many works of Greek literature.