In 2023, China Central Television released a remarkable documentary about Su Shi titled "Ding Feng Bo (定风波)". Covering themes like poetry, art, cuisine, travel, and society, the series revisits the tumultuous life of Su Shi, also known as Su Dongpo, highlighting how his attitude toward life continues to inspire us today. Su Shi is portrayed by Nie Yuan, who, at 45, skillfully captures Su Shi's life from his 20s to his old age. Whether it's his youthful ambition as he begins his official career, his diligence in serving the people, his despair during the "Crow Terrace Poetry Case," or his optimism after being exiled, Nie brings each phase of Su Shi's life to vivid life, making this arguably the best on-screen portrayal of Su Shi to date. The five episodes of "Ding Feng Bo" are titled "Chu Chuan Ji," "Hu Shan Ji," "Mo Jie Ji," "Xuan Hu Ji," and "Jie Lu Ji." The cinematography greatly enhances the aesthetic quality of the series, perfectly aligning with the artistic ambiance of Su Shi's poetry. Every frame is stunning enough to be a wallpaper. Su Shi is often remembered as a literary giant who loved life, but in truth, he faced much hardship,…

Against all expectations, "To the Wonder" opened with a rating of 8.5 on Douban, making it this year's top-rated Chinese drama on the platform. This long-anticipated work has been stirring up speculation ever since its announcement under the "Microdust Theater" banner. On one hand, the challenge lies in adapting essays into a drama format; on the other, the intense competition among theatrical productions on streaming platforms makes the debut of a new label quite suspenseful. After the premiere of "To the Wonder," discussion about the series has been vibrant across major social platforms, with topics focusing on the natural scenery, mother-daughter relationships, and clashing viewpoints. The series tells the story of Han Chinese girl Li Wenxiu (played by Zhou Yiran), who grew up in the countryside of Altay. Dropping out of high school, she moves to a big city to make a living and pursue her literary dreams. After facing setbacks, she returns home to run a small shop with her mother (played by Ma Yili). There, she meets a Kazakh youth, Batai (played by Yu Shi), and gradually discovers the beauty and meaning of life. At this year's Beijing Film Festival, "To the Wonder" held an advanced screening event.…

Two weeks ago, at a significant meeting on the "Archaeology of China" project, held in Huainan, Anhui Province, a major discovery was announced. Archaeologists revealed that a bronze Ding unearthed from the "Wu Wangdun" site, the largest and most intricate high-status Chu tomb excavated to date, set a new record for the largest Chu cultural Ding found in China. Measuring 88.3 cm in diameter and about 1.2 m in height, this vessel surpasses the renowned Zhuke Dading (or "Chu Dading"), a prized artifact of the Anhui Museum. Although it doesn't rival the monumental Houmuwu Ding, its discovery has still sparked great excitement. As China national treasure, each bronze vessel is not only a marvel to craft but also a supreme symbol of power. Historically, the Ding size indicated one's status and authority. Records show that ancient nobles cooked various meats separately in different vessel, directly serving from them. Later, the Zhou Li stipulated a hierarchy of Dings: nine for the emperor, seven for lords, five for ministers, and three for officials. Thus, their size and weight took on special meaning, remaining a point of fascination even today. We know the largest and heaviest Ding in China is the Houmuwu Ding,…

From the imperial capital to Jinyang, following the footsteps of Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi, the audience who are deeply concerned about the fate and destiny of the Hua and Gu families breathe a sigh of relief. As far as the eye can see, the most common sentiment expressed by the audience is, "This is a work that brings a sense of happiness." Since the premiere of "Blossoms in Adversity," the accumulated valid viewership has reached a staggering 1.133 billion according to data, with an average valid viewership per episode ranking among the 30 million+ club, securing the top spot on the weekly popularity chart for web dramas. Undoubtedly, in the Q2 2024 drama market, this ancient costume legendary drama, which is based on the grand theme of "family and the country" and takes root and sprouts under the nourishment of traditional culture, has resonated with both the audience within and outside the play, reaching a mutual understanding and achieving a two-way convergence at the peak meeting. Leading in both word-of-mouth and popularity dimensions, it brings increasingly valuable reflections to the industry: where does the emotional connection between ancient costume dramas and young audiences of today lie? What is the…

If granted the opportunity to travel back in time, returning to the Tang Dynasty would undoubtedly be a splendid choice. Currently, there is an exhibition that can make this dream a reality. Exhibition: "The Prosperous of Zhenguan - The Magnificent Era of Li Shimin" Dates: May 1, 2024 - August 25, 2024 Location: National Museum of Classic Books The exhibition's title is straightforward, primarily focusing on the Tang Emperor Li Shimin, known as Taizong, a figure familiar to us all. What resonates most is his era known as the "Zhenguan Reign." However, the historical accounts in textbooks are so brief that the image of Emperor Taizong portrayed is merely that of a wise ruler who valued advice. In reality, he had a military background, and his life story remains largely unknown to us. This exhibition aims to present him and that historical period in a more vivid and tangible manner. With 249 precious artifacts from 15 museums nationwide, it transports us back to that era of prosperity, peace, inclusivity, and openness. Among these exhibits are some significant pieces, such as the gilded and painted military and civil figurines, the portrait of a lady from the Duan Jianbi tomb, and the…

In our historical memory, there is such an ancient city: here, King Wuling of Zhao implemented the Hu-style clothing and archery, cultivating a dominant northern power that could rival the Qin Dynasty among the seven warring states; Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, battled fiercely against the Xiongnu, marking the rise of the Great Han Empire and engaging in ultimate clashes with the peak period lords of the grasslands; Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei carried out reforms here, sowing the seeds of a prosperous era, as writer Yu Qiuyu praised, "China advanced towards the Tang Dynasty from here." This is city Datong. In this article, let us follow the Di Dao Feng Wu to understand this city together. In recent years, more and more people have rediscovered Shanxi, uncovering the dazzling ancient architectural treasure trove hidden behind the coal and vinegar; and more and more attention has been drawn to Datong, this understated ancient city just over 330 kilometers away from Beijing. People flock here, marveling at the grandiose rebuilt city walls, lingering in the magnificent and exquisite Yungang Grottoes that have stood for a thousand years, and being amazed by the Hanging Monastery perched on the cliff; yet this…

The 29th Shanghai TV Festival is scheduled to be held from June 24th to 28th. The submission for the Magnolia Awards began at the end of last year and concluded on March 31st this year, with the expected announcement of the shortlisted candidates in May. The selection of Chinese dramas for this edition of the Magnolia Awards showcases outstanding productions aired from the second quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Both television and web series are eligible for consideration, be they long or short formats. During this evaluation period of the Magnolia Awards, there has been a shift in the creative direction and aesthetic appeal of Chinese dramas, resulting in a crop of exquisite works and emerging talents in the industry. The artistic quality of series has reached new heights, fostering greater resonance and crossover between young and older audiences.   Exquisite Suspense Dramas Police dramas have the largest audience base globally. Chinese police dramas achieved remarkable success around the year 2000 before experiencing a decade of silence. With the rise of online video platforms, they made a comeback in the form of suspense dramas. The past year has seen many outstanding suspense dramas. "The Long Season"…

The recent short drama "Fortune Writer" has gained popularity, with its exquisite costume and constantly twisting plot captivating many netizens. Seizing this momentum, many people have revisited acclaimed short dramas such as "A Familiar Stranger" and "The Killer Is Also Romantic," only to discover a commonality in the art direction - almost all female characters are adorned with Huadian makeup. Not only in short dramas, but also in large-scale costume dramas, there seems to be a strong preference for Huadian makeup, as seen in productions like "Story of Kunning Palace," "A Journey to Love," and "Yong An Dream." The prevalence of Huadian makeup seems to set a unified aesthetic trend in historical costume dramas. Why do period dramas favor the use of Huadian makeup? And why are these Huadian often red in color?   Huadian: The Creative Aesthetics of Ancient China The beautiful Huadian makeup actually dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period in ancient China. Professor Cao Lifen from Liaoning Normal University's School of Literature once mentioned that on the faces of painted female figurines unearthed from Chu tombs in Changsha during the Warring States period, there were three rows of circular dots…

In the year 2024, the espionage genre is experiencing a long-awaited resurgence. On one hand, the innovative spy drama "War of Faith" has just concluded with great success, while on the other hand, "In the Name of the Brother" is quickly taking the spotlight. Looking at the lineup, the director is Zhang Li, and the screenwriter is Wang Xiaoqiang, both of whom have produced excellent works in the past, with Wang Xiaoqiang excelling in the espionage genre. As for the cast, Yang Mi partners with Qin Hao, possessing both beauty and acting skills. "In the Name of the Brother" is set in the puppet state of Manchukuo before the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan, telling the story of Communist intelligence officer Song Zhuowen (played by Qin Hao) being mistaken as a savior by Guan Xue (played by Yang Mi), who is the head of the Special Service Department of the Harbin Police Bureau. Song Zhuowen, who is actually his brother Song Zhuowu, then infiltrates the enemy's ranks with a calculated plan. Thus, a grand drama of twin spies unfolds. Familiar with Espionage Dramas "In the Name of the Brother" exudes a sense of urgency from the very…

Let’s talk about Han purple and Han blue, distant relatives of Han Solo. Or perhaps not. ◑.◑ What are they then? As you may have guessed, these are artificial pigments, synthetic colors, created by the Chinese over 2,500 years ago. They were widely used in ancient artworks - such as wall paintings, for decorating ceramics, metalware, jewelry, clothes, and even the famed Terracotta warriors are painted blue... or purple. Han purple and Han blue are actually misnamed, as both colors have been found well before the Han dynasty in China, perhaps as early as the Western Zhou dynasty (1045-771 BCE). Therefore, they are often called Chinese purple and Chinese blue instead. Another misnomer is that Han purple, in its pure form, is actually a dark blue, so perhaps Han indigo would be more accurate. But let's go back in time to ancient China. Colors were obtained through what people could find in nature. Fun fact: Pigments are made from inorganic materials such as powdered minerals, and are far more durable than dyes. Dyes, on the other hand, are organic compounds traditionally made from plants or animals and are shorter-lasting. So here they were, using dyes and the same old pigments -…

In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 93 cdramas premiered. Romance and urban genres continued to lead the pack, while mystery series showed outstanding performance. The abundance in quantity, prominence in top-tier productions, richness in genres, and diversity in themes became the notable characteristics of the 2024 Q1 drama market. At such a time, long video platforms exerted more effort in promoting their masterpieces, making the post Chinese New Year period less friendly for medium and small-budget dramas. Some dramas barely emerged before fading into obscurity, while others were more fortunate, managing to make some impact. Consequently, the pursuit of novelty and change has become the only way for dramas to stand out beyond mere production. Among the array of dramas in the post-Chinese New Year lineup of 2024, Youku's "In Blossom" and "Blossoms in Adversity" successfully broke through as dark horses. These dramas employed a method of blending genres and elements, indicating that Youku seems to have a unique approach to ancient puppetry innovation. Firstly, the ancient costume mystery detective drama "In Blossom" started with high energy. Within just three days of its release, it surpassed 10,000 in-site popularity, making it the fastest drama on Youku to…

The documentary genre in China, particularly in the realm of traditional culture, continues to produce outstanding works. Today, I would like to introduce a documentary film about porcelain titled "I Am Your Porcelain (我是你的瓷儿, Wo Shi Ni De Ci Er)". It is well known that in English, the term "china" refers to both "porcelain" and "China", highlighting China as the true homeland of porcelain. Centuries before Europe mastered the technique of porcelain production, China was already creating exquisitely crafted porcelain. Chinese porcelain was once a high-end luxury item exported overseas. The documentary "I Am Your Porcelain" not only fills in our knowledge gap about porcelain but also elevates our aesthetic appreciation, allowing modern individuals to experience traditional aesthetics and craftsmanship through the magnificent Chinese porcelain. "I Am Your Porcelain" features narrator Yu Entai, unfolding a thousand-year-old porcelain scroll. Unlike traditional documentaries that tend to be serious and dull, this film adopts a humorous and witty overall style. In Beijing dialect, "Ci Er" means "good friend, buddy", likening porcelain to an friend we interact with daily, a material object embodying Chinese traditional aesthetics and craftsmanship. Seemingly ordinary yet deeply mysterious, emerging from clay and fire yet as lustrous as jade, it…

In comparison to the multitude of laws, rules, and formulas in Western natural sciences, the exploration methods and achievements of traditional Chinese culture in natural sciences often appear more mystical and less easy to comprehend, with the "Five Elements" being the most representative. The five elements referred to as metal, wood, water, fire, and earth each have their own characteristics, and there exists a closed loop of generation and restraint, representing a rather fundamental worldview. By creatively applying imaginative artistic processes on top of this, a colorful set of worldviews can be generated. Starting from March 23rd, exclusively on Youku and recently concluded, the adventure mystery drama "Five Kings of Thieves" creatively integrates the "Five Elements" with the background of the Republican era, creating a unique worldview that is truly eye-catching. Starring Wang Dalu and Ren Min, "Five Kings of Thieves" may only consist of twelve episodes, but it is a high-quality short drama with diverse elements, leaving the audience wanting more after its conclusion. The creative team, drawing on their experience in crafting high-quality short dramas, deeply integrated the "Five Elements" into aspects such as narrative, characters, visuals, emotions, and themes. In other words, the creation of "Five Kings…

"War of Faith" continues to ferment in reputation and heat, breaking theratings record on the eve of the grand finale. The series has put great effort into character development, from the meticulous portrayal of characters like Arwen, who pulls a cart in Qibao Street, to the profound and restrained senior consultant Shen Tunan. The multi-dimensional conflicts make the characters full of tension, well-rounded in their portrayal, logically sound, and build a rich and diverse ensemble of characters. Recently, "War of Faith" reached its grand finale, where we witness Wei Ruolai (played by Wang Yibo) transforming from a naive newcomer in the workplace to a resolute revolutionary, after realizing the Nationalist Party's pursuit of interests disregarding the suffering of the people. Wei Ruolai undergoes a long process of reshaping after a collapse of faith, which proves to be an exceptionally challenging journey. Fortunately, after the agony, Wei Ruolai is reborn. Two pivotal figures in Wei Ruolai's life are his mentor who introduced him to this world, and a comrade who helped reshape his beliefs. Essentially guided by his mentor Shen Tunan to form his initial understanding of society, Shen Tunan provides him a glimmer of hope in his darkest moments, disregarding…

In the fascinating world of television, period dramas have always held a special allure, captivating audiences with their rich tapestries of history, culture, and personal stories set against the backdrop of significant historical epochs. As we look ahead, the upcoming roster of period cdramas promises an enthralling blend of intrigue, romance, and historical authenticity. These upcoming ten period cdramas not only promise to be a visual feast but also aim to immerse viewers in the depths of human experience across various landscapes of time. According to incomplete statistics, currently there are more than ten period dramas awaiting broadcast, with key series including "Romance in the Alley," "Liu Zi Mei," "Zu Ji," and "Created in China."   The Swimsuit Saga Director: Zhang Silin Starring: Qiao Shan, Yang Zishan, Liu Jia, Tang Jianjun, Yu Yang Recently, the period drama "The Swimsuit Saga" was scheduled to premiere. The series, led by Qiao Shan and Yang Zishan, with a special appearance by Yu Yang, mainly tells the story of the people of Xingcheng Swimwear seizing the opportunity of reform to successfully start their own business, with Peng Jinxi (played by Qiao Shan) and Luo Hong (played by Yang Zishan) as representatives. Plot Summary of…

April approaches, the spring atmosphere gradually thickens. Although the fervor of the Spring Festival dramas has not yet dissipated, it is already time to review the performance of the dramas in the first quarter of 2024. Looking back at the outstanding television dramas of the first quarter of this year, the period drama twin stars composed of "Blossoms Shanghai" and "Always on the Move" have left a refreshing impression; the popularity of "Detective Chinatown 2" and "The Hunter" once again proves that the innovative advancement of intense plot-driven dramas is far from reaching its peak. The comedy trio of "A Soldier's Story," "Our Parallel Universes," and "The Great Nobody" have demonstrated the effectiveness of activating business innovation through theater operations; while recent hits like "War of Faith" and "The Legend of Shen Li" have achieved outstanding broadcasting results, thanks to their innovative approach to traditional themes with a fresh perspective. Although it may sound cliché, it must be acknowledged that in the first quarter of this year, the dramas that have stood out are still inseparable from the crucial catalyst of innovation. However, the innovation required by the long video industry today is no longer just imported genre formulas, but…

By the year 2024, the inaugural year of costume drama has long passed, yet the unexpected success of "The Legend of Shen Li" has truly surpassed all expectations. Whether it be the pairing of Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin, reviving the regrets of the fans of "Princess Agents," or the ethereal configuration of the female and male in the early stages of "The Legend of Shen Li," every element has struck a chord with everyone's nostalgia. For a moment, it turned this pair of middle-aged ancient costume role, initially mocked by many before the premiere, into a phenomenon where they dominated various popularity charts. Looking back over the past few years, many young actors and actresses have risen to fame through costume dramas. Ancient costume dramas have become a well-known place for grooming stars and have consequently transformed into an exclusive domain for the new generation of actors. Hence, as soon as the trailer for "The Legend of Shen Li" was released, it became a focal point for public criticism: the combined age of the leads exceeds 70 years; post-85 actors spent half their lives elsewhere, only to return to the world of costume dramas; or the excessive soft lighting…

In the year 2023, supporting actors such as Gao Qiqiang, Ye Bingshang, and Meng Yanchen made a comeback with their outstanding charisma, heralding the year of supporting roles in cdramas. A year later, this phenomenon not only did not fade away but intensified. In the currently popular drama "In Blossom," Zheng Hehuizi, in a guest appearance, overshadowed the female lead Ju Jingyi in just two episodes, sparking discussions among viewers. Even though Zheng Hehuizi personally responded, urging netizens not to create opposition between female actors, it did not quell the audience's desire to resist the mainstream and assert their own voices. From supporting roles stepping up to supporting roles stealing the show, what kind of emotional journey do audiences go through? How will it affect the creative direction of the entire film and television industry?   The Ultimate Characterization of Supporting Roles For a long time, many people have attributed the unexpected rise of supporting roles to a kind of mystery. However, even in the realm of the mysterious, upon deeper examination, one can find underlying reasons. Firstly, from the perspective of creative norms, it is easier to shape an outstanding supporting role than a main character. The protagonist, as…

The sensation of Malatang has taken Tianshui city by storm, leaving the locals perplexed. "No one in Tianshui would have ever imagined that Malatang would be the first to gain such popularity!" A friend from Tianshui subtly hinted at a touch of proud in their assessment of the local Malatang craze. The reason for this lies in the abundance of treasures in this small northwestern city. Malatang restaurants have become "tourist attractions" with long queues, making the people of Tianshui feel somewhat aggrieved on behalf of the Fuxi Temple and the Maijishan Grottoes. Even in terms of souvenirs, aside from the rising popularity of Gangu chili peppers, there are also exquisite products such as Qinan peaches and Huaniu apples. Guided by the influx of visitors, waves of tourists are flocking to Tianshui. However, it can be asserted that "if you come to Tianshui and only eat Malatang, then you have missed out greatly!" Amidst the tantalizing aroma of food and the mist of Maiji Mountain, the panoramic view in the Tianshui area gradually becomes clear. This city was the first stop on the Silk Road heading west from Chang'an, establishing itself as the premier city in northwestern China over a…

At present, what kind of historical drama can still possess a unique charm for the audience? A jade pomegranate, an old street, the turbulent modern history intertwined with the fate of ordinary people's daily lives. The hit drama "The Gate of Xuan Wu" has provided its own answer. In early March, the historical drama "The Gate of Xuan Wu" premiered. The story begins with a jade pomegranate symbolizing the prosperity of the nation, spanning from 1898 to 1945, covering multiple historical events such as the Hundred Days' Reform, Siege of the International Legations, and the Second Sino-Japanese War. Unlike previous works of the same genre, "The Gate of Xuan Wu" cleverly integrates high ideals, multiple perspectives, and strong empathy, breaking away from the usual focus on the political intrigues in the court and the temple often seen in historical dramas. Instead, it turns the historical lens towards a jade carving family and a lively old street. For the audience, whether it is the initial concern over the fate of the national treasure jade pomegranate or the immersion into the lives of the people on the old street, the drama evokes a sense of empathy and captivation.   The historical ordinary…