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"…

Last year was a fruitful year for domestic film and television in the international arena. "The Long Season" was released on Netflix; Sony Pictures announced the remake of "Hi, Mom," with Jia Ling serving as producer; multiple series such as "Three-Body" and "The Knockout" were popular overseas; while "Joy of Life Season 2" was still in production, Disney had already acquired its exclusive overseas distribution rights. Although this year is not yet halfway through, works like "Blossoms Shanghai" and "The Legend of Shen Li" have not only been a hit domestically but have also broken free from regional constraints, sparking discussions in multiple countries and regions. The transformation of broadcasting channels by streaming services has not only led to a new wave from content to industry domestically but has also provided more possibilities for the "going global" of domestic film and television content. A richer variety of genres, an increasing number of diverse platforms for viewing, more mature business models, and a series of new horizons based on overseas distribution, such as industry integration and IP overseas expansion. "YOLO" has already premiered in multiple countries overseas and will be showcased as the opening film at the 26th Far East Film…

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…

In the rich cultural heritage, Hanfu and traditional Chinese instruments are not just symbols of China's long history; they are also bridges that combine modern aesthetics with traditional charm. This article will guide you through how to integrate nine typical Chinese traditional musical instruments into the art of Hanfu photography, showcasing their unique cultural significance and visual impact. From the tranquil elegance of the Guqin to the flutes, each musical instrument can add a unique charm to Hanfu.   1 - Guqin The Guqin, also known as the Yaoqin, Yujin, or Seven-stringed zither, is a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument with a history of over three thousand years. The Guqin has a wide range of tones, deep timbre, and lingering resonance. It is recorded in ancient texts that Fu Xi made the qin, and there are legends of Shennong, the Yellow Emperor, Tang Yao, among others, being involved in the creation of the instrument. Emperor Shun set the qin to have five strings, King Wen added one string, and King Wu defeated King Zhou and added another string to make it seven strings. This demonstrates the long-standing and profound cultural heritage of the ancient Chinese Guqin. There are over 3360…

If your journey to visit ancient sites began with the hanging sculptures in Shanxi, then the rest of your itinerary is bound to be somewhat lacking in surprises, because your starting point is truly too high. As one of the most indispensable highlights of a trip through Shanxi, the hanging sculptures offer you a sense of awe and emotion that is difficult to come by at other locations. It is an immensely magical experience. Just a step away from entering the hall, there is a feeling of entering a dazzling and astonishing world. These gracefully suspended deities and Buddhas make you feel as though you have stepped into the magnificent Buddhist fairyland described by ancient people, no matter which direction you face. They lean slightly, as if gazing, yet also seem to be simply resting there. Being among them, your eyes are filled with shimmering colors. Hanging sculptures are a very unique form of sculpture. Drawing inspiration from more ancient reliefs, people unlocked figures from two-dimensional images, giving rise to extraordinary sacred scenes of deities and Buddhas. They are different from colored sculptures and not like frozen brushstrokes; these Buddha niches on the walls display an almost lifelike posture. In…

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…

Suzhou can be considered one of the most exquisite cities in the whole of China, and the Suzhou gardens are the most vivid embodiment of this refinement. Throughout history, Suzhou has had a total of 802 gardens, and the praise of being a "city of half gardens and pavilions" is by no means an empty phrase. It is not so much that Suzhou provides a dwelling place for gardens, but rather that the gardens spread throughout the entire city have created a Suzhou city steeped in the gentle language of the Wu dialect. So what exactly are Suzhou gardens? They serve as a window to China's aesthetic facing the world, and with the completion of the Chinese-style courtyard Mingxuan in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1980, modeled after the Master of the Nets Garden's Dianchunyi, it spreads aesthetic elements unique to China to the world. In spring, Suzhou gardens become sea of flowers, undoubtedly the most beautiful time of the year for gardens. The early magnolias in March, the wisteria at the end of March, and the peonies in late April, with flowers of various colors blooming in succession, adorn the Suzhou gardens as sea of flowers. Even those…

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…

You might think, 'Is the author crazy? A full article about windows?' Yes and yes. But you know the saying - something about eyes and windows... I don’t know... So keep your eyes on THESE windows and let me make it even worse by inserting a poem. The article will not take more than 5 minutes, less if you only look at the pictures (yes, I see you!). Quiet Night Thought (Chinese: 靜夜思) by Li Bai 床前明月光 疑是地上霜 舉頭望明月 低頭思故鄉 Thoughts in the Silent Night, translation by Fercility Jiang Moonlight shining through the window Makes me wonder if there is frost on the ground Looking up to see the moon Looking down I miss my home town The connection between windows and nature has been referenced in Chinese poetry throughout the ages. There are many types, styles, and colors of traditional Chinese windows, combining beauty with practicality and tradition with novelty. These windows are always in harmony with nature, as is typical in Chinese architecture, allowing the feeling of wind, rain, and light to pass through (hence the poems!). Buildings and windows, included, have had to consider feng-shui, the forces of "wind and water" in traditional geomancy (earth divination), 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…

When the ancient costume dramas were in full swing, a spy cdrama burst into the hot lineup of March. Since its premiere, "War of Faith" has been climbing in viewership ratings and online popularity. As the only spy-themed drama in March, "War of Faith" can be considered a "new wave" in the current market dominated by ancient idol dramas. In Shanghai in 1930, Wei Ruolai (played by Wang Yibo), an ordinary employee of the Central Bank of the Kuomintang, gradually gained the appreciation of senior consultant Shen Tunan (played by Wang Yang) due to his outstanding work ability. In this process, Wei Ruolai witnessed the many corruptions and darkness in the Kuomintang's financial sector. In his confusion and distress, Communist Party member Shen Jinzhen (played by Li Qin) used Marxism as a guiding light to illuminate Wei Ruolai's inner self, leading to different choices that ultimately led him to part ways with Shen Tunan. Arranged by the organization, Wei Ruolai and Shen Jinzhen moved from Shanghai to Jiangxi. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party, Wei Ruolai participated in the non-smoking war to break the Kuomintang's economic blockade of the Central Soviet Area, gradually growing into a prominent red…

The drama "The Legend of Shen Li" starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin is a fantasy Xianxia series. This drama was highly anticipated before its premiere, partly due to the combination of Zhao Liying's talent and popularity playing a fairy character once again, and also because Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin's collaboration resolved the regrets of many fans of the drama "Princess Agents." On its premiere day, it has been leading in viewership ratings in all aspects. In recent years, most fantasy dramas revolve around the basic themes of protecting the people and safeguarding loved ones, and "The Legend of Shen Li" stands out as a unique work in this genre. In terms of the storyline, the female lead played by Zhao Liying, Shen Li, is not just a supporting character who highlights the strength of the male lead. Shen Li, as the Bicang King of the spiritual realm, traps demons and protects her realm. On the other hand, Lin Gengxin plays dual roles, one in the mortal world and the other in the heavenly realm. Each character has their own responsibilities and missions based on their identities. From escaping a forced marriage in the mortal realm to saving a…

Have you ever wondered about the animal motifs on your hanfu and what they stand for? Why are there so many dragons in traditional Chinese art? And what’s up with the monkey statues everywhere? Let's delve into the symbolism of animal motifs. It will only take about 5 minutes of your time, and hopefully, you'll learn something new or revise what you already know! Each hanfu garment is unique. It has various styles and designs, that reflects different historical periods and regional influences. Although the differences are significant, many of them include similar animal embroidery and motifs. Animals that have been deeply intertwined with Chinese culture from its earliest days. Animals in Chinese culture are thought to be symbolic representations of various aspects of life. Understanding the symbolic meaning of an animal will lead to grasping the hidden message of the art. It is not only an important decorative element but also adds meaning, symbolism, and cultural significance to the art, particularly in the context of Hanfu garments.   Most commonly used animal motifs are: Birds: Birds are often associated with the sun and allegorical folk-tales. Each bird carries its own unique symbolism, though most are connected to happiness and…