Autumn fades into winter, and on the screen emerges a grand and emotionally intense historical drama. Directed by Zhou Jingtao and Zou Xi, "A Journey to Love" stars Liu Shishi and Liu Yuning. While road dramas and martial arts dramas are common, it is rare to see them successfully combined. Especially when creating an original script without the reference of a novel, it is not an easy task to construct a world outside the palace, in the realm of rivers and lakes. "A Journey to Love" premiered on November 28, 2023, stunning audiences with its fast-paced plot and fresh character designs. This drama tells the story of Ren Ruyi (Ren Xin), the former left envoy of the Zhu Yi Guard who fakes his death and infiltrates the city of Wudu. There, she unexpectedly meets Ning Yuanzhou, once the deputy hall master of the Liudao Hall. Ning Yuanzhou, who returned from the battlefield, only wants to live a secluded life in the countryside. In order to prove his innocence to his former colleagues and return to the Liudao Hall as a savior of the nation, he gathers a group of people, including Yu Shi San, Yuan Lu, Qian Zhao, and Sun…

Recently, the grand female-led business drama "Flourished Peony" was announced and became a hot topic. As Yang Zi's first project after the explosive drama "Lost You Forever", "Flourished Peony" is particularly eye-catching. Subsequently, we discovered that next year may be a year when grand female-led business dramas are gathered. So far, there have been 7 announced projects, including "Flourished Peony," "Female Business," "The Story of Hua Zhi," "The Legend of Jewelry," "Shu Jin Ren Jia," "The Way You Back," and "Tearless Snow", which respectively cover the fields of flower cultivation, foreign trade, snacks, jewelry, silk weaving, restaurants, and salt merchants. Historical dramas, in particular, have shown a great favoritism towards traditional Chinese culture. The trend of inheriting traditional culture, known as Guochao, has swept across variety shows and films and dramas in recent years. Prior to this, there were mainly two types of dramas that incorporated Guochao elements. One type focused on the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, with stories revolving around certain artisan professions and intergenerational relationships. The other type was set in historical and cultural cities such as Dunhuang, Luoyang, and Xi'an, linking with local cultural tourism in period dramas. They often revolved around male-oriented suspenseful investigations, combining…

The program of "Eight Masters of the Tang and Song" unveils the magnificent and dramatic life story of a generation of grandmasters through the mode of "immersive real-life performance + cinematic filming + XR innovative presentation", and explores the moments of the birth of "Tang and Song masterpieces". Immersive real-life performance: The "Cultural Exploration Team" personally experiences the plot, with scenes built on real-life settings. Cinematic filming: Through techniques such as plot rhythm and camera movement, the visuals are crafted to have a cinematic texture, enhancing the artistic and aesthetic qualities of the work. XR innovative presentation: By combining reality and virtuality through computers, it brings the participants a seamless immersion between the virtual world and the real world. Let us follow the "Cultural Exploration Team" of the program "Eight Masters of the Tang and Song" and step into the depths of history to take a look at the experience of Han Yu in the great Tang Dynasty. Han Yu lost his parents at a young age. At the age of 12, his older brother Han He passed away in Shaozhou, and Han Yu returned to Heyang with his sister-in-law to bury his brother. Since then, the burden of supporting…

"Ripe Town" is the most exceptional Chinese period drama of this year. This drama stands out in the market without any comparable works. It is a period mystery that delves deep into social and historical analysis, offering a captivating deconstruction of complex human nature from different perspectives. In terms of the story, it intertwines a murder case with another arson case from twenty years ago, weaving together a tightly-knit web of revenge with numerous character lines that repeatedly intersect across two timelines. It explores themes of injustice, desire, and regret. Visually, it captures the essence of ancient Eastern paintings and the aesthetics of Jiangnan gardens, constructing a lush and intoxicating small town in late Ming Dynasty. Its English title, "Ripe Town," is fitting, as the entire drama feels like a "fully ripened and almost decaying fruit." Its meticulous attention to detail and profound depth truly make it a standout dish in the autumnal lineup of cdramas. Up to now, "Ripe Town" has received a high rating of 8.5 from over 120,000 viewers on Douban, surpassing the reputation set by "The Long Season" and "Fearless Blood." Many industry insiders believed that such a quality production must have come from an experienced…

In the enthralling world of Story of Kunning Palace, a historical drama that captures the essence of imperial intrigue and romance, emerges a character both enigmatic and captivating: Jiang Xue Ning. As the heroine at the heart of this sweeping narrative, Jiang's journey is not just one of survival within the gilded but perilous walls of the palace, but also a testament to the strength and resilience of a woman navigating the complexities of power, love, and duty in a time where her role was often confined to the margins of history. Jiang Xue Ning, portrayed with a compelling blend of vulnerability and determination, emerges as more than just a figure navigating the treacherous tides of palace politics; she is a symbol of a woman's unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. Her character arc, from a young, naive girl to a wise and formidable presence in the palace, mirrors the tumultuous era she inhabits. This article seeks to delve deep into the layers of Jiang's character, exploring how her unique personality traits, decisions, and relationships with others in the palace paint a portrait of a woman who is as complex as she is inspiring.   01 A stunning and…

On November 4th, "Weaving a Tale of Love Season 2," was released on Youku. The clever female protagonist, Liuli, repeatedly exposed the schemes of the princess, providing book fans and drama enthusiasts with a satisfying experience. Comments such as "captivating from the beginning" and "can't get enough with two episodes a day" clearly demonstrate the audience's love for this drama. As the popularity of "Weaving a Tale of Love" soared, Tencent quickly followed suit, releasing "Wonderland of Love" on November 6th, further igniting the market. A day later, "Story of Kunning Palace" premiered on iQiyi, intensifying the competition among the three Chinese major long-form video platforms. In recent years, the key factors determining the competitiveness of costume dramas in the market are no longer just big work, high viewership, and large investments, but rather the sense of differentiation brought by content innovation. Taking these three new dramas as examples, they have expanded their creative directions beyond the confines of palace intrigue, domestic conflicts, and dominant female protagonists, and instead focus more on elements such as new women, legends, and personal growth. The core of the stories also touches on the emotional perspectives, social views, and workplace situations of contemporary young…

What is Xia? Some say they are skilled warriors, others say they are outsiders on the fringes of society, and some even say it is an adult fairy tale. A knight-errant can take on many forms, but one thing is certain: from the moment they step onto the stage of history, their extraordinary allure ensures that the concept of a "Xia" will never fade away. What is Xia? Who can be called a knight-errant? To answer these questions, let us first go back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, when knights-errant roamed.   01 When did ancient China have Xia? During the Pre-Qin period, warfare was frequent. One day, the powerful state of Chu was preparing to attack the weak state of Song and hired the renowned craftsman Lu Ban to create siege weapons. The military strength of Song was far inferior to that of Chu, and the people were filled with fear, scattering in all directions in an attempt to escape. Mozi, who had a deep background in craftsmanship and was skilled in defending cities, received this news and immediately rushed thousands of miles to the capital of Chu, hoping to utilize his expertise…

"A Journey to Love," a highly anticipated period martial arts drama, has garnered widespread attention since obtaining official release permission and unveiling its first trailer. Starring Liu Shishi, this television series quickly gained enthusiastic responses from the audience due to its captivating plot and powerful cast, with the number of pre-orders even surpassing the million mark. Numerous fans and viewers are eagerly awaiting its premiere date. The series tells an epic and tumultuous story, centered around the protagonist Ren Ru Yi, who, through a series of fortuitous events, becomes a member of a small team accompanying the Wu state Emperor's envoy. Alongside Wu state's Liudao Hall Master Ning Yuanzhou, the charming Yu Shisan, the noble princess Yang Ying, the clever teenager Yuanluo, and the loyal imperial guard Qian Zhao, they experience life and death struggles and personal growth. The interactions between these characters and the development of the story are filled with emotional ups and downs and thrilling adventures. According to the scheduling arrangement of the broadcasting platform and various sources, "A Journey to Love" is expected to premiere in mid-November, bringing a pleasant surprise to the long-awaited audience. It is worth mentioning that this drama not only features the…

The recently broadcasted drama "Story of Kunning Palace" has surpassed the popularity threshold of 9500 on iQiyi, with only 6 episodes. It is just a step away from reaching ten thousand. This is quite remarkable for a parachuted production. The story revolves around former empress Jiang Xuening (played by Bai Lu), who was forced to rebel by the imperial tutor Xie Wei (played by Zhang Linghe). As a result, the emperor died, and the loyal official Zhang Zhe (played by Wang Xingyue) was imprisoned because of her. Fortunately, Jiang Xuening is given a chance to start anew and is determined to make amends for her past regrets. On various social media platforms dedicated to period dramas, discussions about "Story of Kunning Palace" are endless. Besides positive searches related to the plot and actors, there are occasional criticisms regarding camera angles and flashbacks. The overwhelmingly positive reviews are abnormal, but they indicate that a large number of viewers are truly engrossed in the drama. With a recent market share of over 20%, how did "Story of Kunning Palace" achieve such popularity?   01 Not relying solely on quality, but embracing diversity The success and popularity of any work cannot be solely…

Welcome, dear readers, to a journey through the heart of the Tang Dynasty, an era renowned for its splendor and cultural zenith. Here, in a world where traditions intertwine with the winds of change, love defies boundaries and hardships, blossoming against the backdrop of ancient China's grandeur. Today, we shall unfurl the pages of an extraordinary tale from the enchanting TV series "Weaving a Tale of Love Season 2".   Introduction: A Tale of Timeless Love Our story centers on Kudi Liuli and Pei Xingjian, two characters who bring to life the essence of a time long gone yet forever cherished in our collective memory. Kudi Liuli, with her grace and fortitude, embodies the spirit of the women of the Tang Dynasty - resilient, wise, and ahead of their time. Pei Xingjian, on the other hand, is the epitome of valor and integrity, reflecting the era's ideals of honor and duty. Together, they weave a narrative that is far more than a typical romance; it's a vibrant tapestry rich in the threads of loyalty, sacrifice, and wisdom. As we embark on this journey, let's dive deep into the depths of their love, exploring the nuances that make it so captivating.…

In the vast river of history, each dynasty has left its unique cultural imprint and artistic lifestyle. Among the many dynasties, the Song Dynasty, with its distinctive cultural charm and refined way of life, has become an indispensable chapter in Chinese history. Its delicacy, tolerance, and openness endowed this era with unparalleled artistic and cultural allure. Recently, Henan TV launched "Chinese Banquets." This cultural documentary takes us back to the Song Dynasty, a time filled with cultural atmosphere and artistic lifestyle, where the banquet rituals reconnect us with the ancient tranquility and elegance amidst the modern hustle and bustle.   Background of "Chinese Banquets" From ancient times to the present, whether it is the noble emperors and nobles or the common people, on special holidays or significant occasions, banquets are hosted to entertain honored guests or close relatives and friends as a sign of respect. The Chinese banquet has become an etiquette of hospitality. "Chinese Banquets" extends the concept of Chinese festivals and, as a member of the cultural family, it reconstructs and reenacts Chinese dining rituals, exploring the Eastern sense of ritual, Eastern aesthetics, and Eastern wisdom associated with food. Features of "Chinese Banquets" While recreating the scenes of…

Hailed as the dominant palace drama of the year, the palace drama "Story of Kunning Palace" has been a hot topic since its premiere on November 7th, maintaining high viewership and demonstrating its strong appeal. This period drama, adapted from the novel of the same name by Shi Jing, is renowned for its continuous plot twists in the palace intrigue, leaving a lasting impression. As a work that showcases themes of changing destiny and rebirth, both the plot development and character portrayal in "Ning An Ru Meng" are worth exploring. Let us provide a comprehensive critique, analyzing the production highlights and shortcomings of this popular drama from different perspectives.   1. A Twisty Tale of Destiny Story of Kunning Palace follows Jiang Xuening, who rises from unfavored daughter to Empress, only to be forced to suicide amidst palace turmoil. She awakens inexplicably returned to her 18-year-old self, before her ill-fated rise to power. Given a second chance, Jiang Xuening maneuvers back into the palace as a student, intent on uncovering the truth behind the palace betrayals years ago and changing the destinies of those she cares about. Unraveling the past and reshaping the future is no easy task, but Jiang…

Costume dramas have portrayed countless heart-wrenching love stories on the television screen, with an exhilarating and splendid plot. The highly anticipated new drama "Wonderland of Love" has recently premiered. Led by Xu Kai and Jing Tian, this costume drama brings audiences a whole new experience. Unlike traditional costume dramas filled with love and hatred, the biggest highlight of this drama lies in the protagonists' contrasting identities and how they join forces to strive for the well-being of the people in turbulent times. Through the intricate relationships between the main characters, a remarkably captivating plot unfolds, deserving the anticipation of every period drama lover. What fascinating and moving story does "Wonderland of Love" tell? Is it truly worth investing time in? Today, let us delve into a comprehensive interpretation.   The intertwining of palace intrigue and martial world grudges "Wonderland of Love" is set against the backdrop of a turmoil-ridden court, where imperial power is on the verge of collapse. The male protagonist, Li Ni, is a prince with a cold and stern demeanor, yet he fails to gain the affection of his royal father. The female protagonist, Cui Lin, is a princess of the Cui family army, appearing gentle on…

One of the most challenging seasons for dressing is undoubtedly autumn and winter. When facing cold weather, how can we cleverly match Hanfu or Han-style fashion, both beautiful and practical, without sacrificing warmth? In the ancient Chinese civilization, the ancients had already designed and paid attention to the colors, wearing methods, fabrics, and other aspects of winter clothing, forming a systematic traditional dress culture. Today, we can draw inspiration from the wisdom of our ancestors and skillfully apply it to modern winter Hanfu, adding a touch of classical elegance to the overall outfit. The most important secret about the color and wearing methods of ancient Chinese winter clothing is layering and matching from the inside out. If we take the five colors as the main palette, we generally follow the principle of darker on the outside and lighter on the inside or vice versa. Dark colors such as pomegranate red, deep purple, dark green, jet black, and yellowish brown are suitable for outerwear, while lighter colors such as rosy red, sky blue, emerald green, charcoal gray, and apricot yellow are suitable for the inner layers. If you want a more distinctive look, you can also choose more vibrant colors for…

The drama "Story of Kunning Palace" is adapted from the novel of the same name by Shi Jing. This palace suspense drama captivates the audience with its continuous plot twists and meticulously crafted characters. As a drama that tells the story of fate's ups and downs and the rewriting of one's life, the main characters in "Ning An Ru Meng" each have distinct personalities. Their destinies intertwine, ultimately joining forces to uncover the truth of the past. These characters possess rich inner worlds, deserving of in-depth analysis. Firstly, there is the female protagonist Jiang Xue Ning, who transforms from arrogance and calculation to rebirth and self-transformation. Xie Wei, under the facade of cold and cunning political schemes, displays great character development by caring for others. Additionally, there is the unfortunate Yan Lin, the optimistic and resilient Shen Zhi Yi, and the upright and dedicated Zhang Zhe, among others. Their tumultuous destinies not only provide the audience with a profound understanding of the brightness of human nature and hope, but also allow us to delve into the vivid world of "Ning An Ru Meng" and analyze these television characters one by one. 1. Jiang Xuening Characteristics: Changing Fate with Wisdom, Transforming…

The grand historical fantasy drama "Sacred Tree Has Heart" is currently airing. Directed by Song Haibo and Ren Yingjian, it features Chen Jiahe, Zhou Yangyue, Mi Re, Pei Jiaxin, Bao Han, Liu Qiqi, and others in the leading roles. The drama tells the story of a tumultuous era, where various forces vie for supremacy, and the Xueluo Clan's Saintess Xin Yue (played by Zhou Yangyue) possesses the divine vision to see the truth of the world. It is rumored among the nations that whoever possesses the Saintess shall possess the world. In this chaotic world, the kings of the various nations, the young King Guangye of Donglin (played by Chen Jiahe) attempts to bring an end to this era of chaos and bring peace to the people. In this drama, the main characters are filled with a youthful spirit of determination. Whether it is King Guangye of Donglin or the Saintess Xin Yue who can perceive the will of heaven, they are both concerned for the world and fight for their country. The friendship between the main characters is sincere and heartfelt, which becomes even more precious in such turbulent times. Furthermore, besides the Saintess Xin Yue, the drama also…

Recently, the historical biography cdrama "Ding Bao Zhen" concluded its airing. As a rare genre on the screen in recent years, "Ding Bao Zhen" has garnered attention from viewers since its premiere. Although historical biography dramas do not have the advantage in online popularity and topicality, viewers have a strong demand for dramas depicting upright officials. Especially for dramas like "Ding Bao Zhen," which solidly portrays the protagonist's life experiences, focuses on significant political governance, and delves deep into events affecting people's livelihoods.   01 The pristine style of the drama Ding Bao Zhen After watching all 27 episodes, the greatest impression that "Ding Bao Zhen" leaves is its simplicity. It does not casually incorporate other elements in pursuit of novelty and internet aesthetics, but rather adheres to the most genuine mindset of a biography drama, closely following the protagonist. In terms of time, the drama focuses on the life trajectory of the protagonist Ding Bao Zhen (played by Ma Shaohua) from middle age to old age. The story begins with his appointment as the governor of Shandong and continues until his final term as the governor of Sichuan, spanning nearly twenty years. The plot of the series unfolds in…

If given the opportunity to start over, what kind of life would you choose? I believe many people have pondered this question countless times. However, the reality is that no one can start their life over from scratch. What belongs to the past will always remain in the past. But in dramas, the fictional world allows us to see the time rewind that we have always hoped for. "Scent of Time" is a recently premiered costume drama that revolves around the growth and healing of a female protagonist. From the first episode, we witness how the heroine, Hua Qian, goes back in time and changes her fate against all odds. The concept of self-rescue through rebirth has pleasantly surprised viewers. "Scent of Time," directed by Bai Yunmo and Guo Hao, stars Zhou Ye, Wang Xingyue, Peng Chuyue, Zhang Yijie, and Zhao Qing. Adapted from a popular romance novel "Xi Qian Hua", the drama tells the story of Hua Qian, who due to a momentary lapse of judgment, finds redemption and turns her life around with the help of Zhong Xiwu, the master of fragrant medicine, who has been infatuated with her. The drama begins with the typical plotline often seen…

Among the numerous garments of Hanfu, the most popular one is probably the Mamian skirt. As a clothing item full of ethnic style, the skirt is characterized by vibrant colors and unique patterns. Wearing it seems like traveling through time and experiencing the charm of traditional culture. In fact, the Mamian skirt is not a completely new design, its history can be traced back to a hundred years ago. Also known as Mamian pleated skirt, it was one of the main skirt styles for ancient Chinese women. It consists of four skirt doors, both front and back, overlapping in pairs. The outer skirt door is adorned with decorations, while the inner skirt door has fewer or no decorations. The Ma Mian Qun is pleated on the side, and the skirt waist is often made of white fabric, symbolizing a lifelong union. It is fastened with a rope or button. The design of the Mamian skirt highlights symmetry and streamlined shapes, emphasizing the curves of women and creating an elegant and dignified image for the wearer. The charm of the Mamian skirt has actually transcended national borders. At the banquet where Princess Diana was announced as the future royal bride in…

When it comes to above-ground cultural relics in China, Shanxi stands out. Among the country's important cultural heritage sites, Shanxi ranks first with 531 sites, accounting for 10.4% of the total number of cultural heritage sites in China, which is equivalent to the sum of the rankings of the next ten provinces. Shanxi boasts a complete sequence of ancient architectural eras, a wide variety of architectural types, and a large number of existing wooden structures dating back to the Yuan Dynasty and earlier, surpassing all other provinces in the country. In other words, if you want to explore the development of early Chinese architecture, you can only gain insight in Shanxi. So, what should you visit when you first arrive in Shanxi? The following are 35+ key cultural relics units in Shanxi organized in chronological order by Useless Rerearch Society, take a look at the stunning scenery of China's ancient architecture.   Northern and Southern Dynasties 01 Yungang Grottoes From 460 AD onwards, the Northern Wei Dynasty, with Datong as its capital, exerted its full strength and gathered excellent craftsmen to carve the magnificent Yungang Grottoes on the cliffs of Lingyan. The Yungang Grottoes were not only the first royal-authorized…