Content creators who consistently engage with the public's aesthetic preferences are quicker and more acutely aware of changes in audience demands, down to the finest details. Looking back at the content market of the past two years, blockbusters often resonate with real-life experiences or are born in the spiritual homeland of traditional culture. "The Double," an ancient costume drama about women's growth and inspiration, achieved over 10,000 views within three days of its premiere on Youku. It became the fastest drama to reach this milestone in 2024, with the highest first-day viewership and popularity on its launch day. The series has already secured its status as a national hit, driven by word-of-mouth among viewers. Starring Wu Jinyan, Wang Xingyue, and Chen Xinhai, "The Double (Mo Yu Yun Jian, 墨雨云间)" is a historical romance drama that tells the story of Xue Fangfei (played by Wu Jinyan), the daughter of a county magistrate who loses everything after a major upheaval. Under the request of her savior, Jiang Li (played by Yang Chaoyue), the daughter of the Zhongshu Ling, she returns to the capital under Jiang Li's identity. With the help of Duke Xiao Heng (played by Wang Xingyue) and others, she overcomes…

On May, the much-anticipated exhibition "The Diverse Life of Song-Jin Dynasty Murals in Shanxi" opened at the Shanxi Museum. For the first time, this exhibition brings together 89 pieces (15 groups) of precious Song and Jin Dynasty murals and brick carvings from Shanxi, inviting us to delve into the unique allure of these historical artworks. The exhibition vividly showcases themes such as home, celebrations, family values, and wishes depicted in Song-Jin murals, transporting us back to the everyday life of that era. For instance, the mural tomb in Nanguan Village, Fanshi County, Shanxi Province, is a Jin Dynasty brick-carved mural tomb. The tomb murals reflect the traditional layout of Jin Dynasty burial customs in the Central Plains, featuring various treasures, male and female attendants, rockeries and birds, offerings of wealth, and guardian spirits, all illustrating the colorful imagination of the afterlife, striving to ensure a prosperous and stable future world. Murals, one of the oldest forms of Chinese painting. Often found on the walls and ceilings of halls, tombs, temples, and grottoes, these murals provide a glimpse into the social, religious, architectural, artistic, and folk developments over the past two thousand years. In addition to Shanxi’s rich murals, regions from…

In recent years, the trend of female-centric dramas, including ensemble cast dramas and strong female lead dramas, has become prominent. This trend has extended into historical dramas, leading to new narratives where female protagonists build their fortunes and conquer the business world through their own efforts. For instance, "Blossoms in Adversity," which concluded in early May, tells the story of the noblewoman Huazhi who, along with her family, overcomes adversity by starting a business. This wave of female protagonists navigating the business world in historical dramas shows no signs of slowing down. Numerous dramas wrapped filming from last year to this year, featuring female leads as businesswomen. According to official synopses, the female lead in "Liu Zhou Story," Liu Miantang, opens a porcelain shop; the protagonist in "Brocade Odyssey," Ji Yingying, is involved in the Shu brocade business; and the lead in "The Story of Pearl Girl," Duanwu, deals in jewelry. Moreover, the ongoing production "Flourished Peony" will narrate the story of He Weifang, who starts a flower business. Adding to this, "A Dream of Splendor," which aired last year, centers on the tea house owner Zhao Pan'er, who expands her small tea house into the largest restaurant in Dongjing.…

In early May, two mini-series, "Regeneration" and "To the Wonder," quickly stood out with their unique narrative structures, cinematic visuals, and profound philosophical reflections on human nature, rapidly gaining popularity both within and outside the industry. Mid-month, after a five-year hiatus, "Joy of Life Season 2" was finally released, with soaring viewership breaking records and unprecedented competition among advertisers for prime slots, cementing its status upon its debut. By the end of the month, "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and "Golden Trio" made a high-profile entrance, sparking heated discussions with their high-profile cast, injecting fresh energy into adaptations and dramas focused on older audiences. From a market performance perspective, "Joy of Life 2" maintained an exceptionally high level of popularity and market share, dominating the landscape. "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and "Golden Trio" leveraged strong public appeal to maintain their core audiences. "Regeneration" and "To the Wonder" exceeded market expectations with significant long-tail effects post-broadcast. However, "Reblooming Blue," "Heroes," and "Tell No One" either suffered from limited subject matter appeal or were overshadowed by surprise releases, resulting in relatively underwhelming performances. In terms of reputation, most series scored below 7 out of 10, with no shows reaching a 9.…

Since the premiere of "Joy of Life Season 2," the drama's popularity and discussion levels have soared, leaving other shows behind. Scenes such as the Baoyue Lou and Fan Xian's wedding have continued to be hot topics, with Tencent's peak heat index breaking the 34,000 mark, solidifying its reputation as the "drama king." From the first season of "Joy of Life" in 2019 to the second season five years later, the consistently high levels of discussion and viewership prove the success of "Joy of Life" as a male-oriented IP adaptation. More notably, the second season featured a large number of customized advertisements, demonstrating the market's successful bet on its hit status, adding commercial certainty to such male-oriented IP adaptations. Before "Joy of Life," adaptations of male-oriented dramass had not achieved landmark success. Many male-oriented dramas, after adaptation and airing, did not perform as expected, either due to issues with the plot adaptation or production quality. Therefore, examining the success of "Joy of Life" can outline a replicable commercial path for successful adaptations of male-oriented dramass. The double success of "Joy of Life" over five years has reignited market expectations for male-oriented dramas dramas. Who will be the next drama king?…

The market for historical costume dramas, primarily targeting young audiences, has always welcomed the arrival of dramas with higher attractiveness, fresher faces, and more sophisticated costume and set designs. Even before the arrival of summer, various types of historical costume dramas based on IP have flooded the market. Leading the charge is "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact," the first live-action adaptation of the popular anime "Fox Spirit Matchmaker," produced by iQIYI. Starring Yang Mi and Gong Jun, it is an eastern fantasy drama. The strong appeal of A-list actors, magnificent scenery, and exquisite costume design have become the magic weapons for attracting attention and winning over fans. With top-notch production values, the series delivers a visual feast, presenting a dazzling array of beauties and scenery imbued with Eastern charm, immersing viewers in its splendor. Many have predicted that "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" will surely secure a place on the hot drama charts at the end of May. As expected, the drama's premiere attracted attention, with its popularity on streaming platforms surpassing 8888 within 19 hours. It quickly climbed to the top spot on popular drama charts on platforms from the second day of its TV broadcast. Various trending topics…

After a hiatus of three and a half years, "National Treasure" Season 4 is finally back. This season continues its collaboration with the Palace Museum, along with the debut of eight new cultural and historical institutions from provinces, municipalities, and special administrative regions, painting a magnificent historical panorama of China's enduring civilization. The Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, the Fujian Museum, the Jilin Museum, the Tianjin Museum, the Anhui Museum, the Jiangxi Museum, the Qinghai Museum, and the Palace Museum are all part of this grand endeavor.   1 - Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department Highlights: This is not just a museum; it represents a group of distinctive museums. Among them are larger-scale institutions such as the Hong Kong History Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Culture, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as smaller yet exquisite ones like the Tea Utensils Museum and the Sam Tung Uk Museum. They document Hong Kong's transition from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis, preserving its cultural fabric and historical heritage.   2 - Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum Highlights: The Three Gorges Museum is not solely about the…

"Joy of Life Season 2" has proven two things since its premiere: first, it can inherit many of the essence of the first season; second, it can elevate itself. The former ensures its initial high popularity, while the latter ensures its sustained popularity. The multiple reversals in crucial scenes, Fan Xian's shift from defense to offense, and the thought-provoking social commentary all contribute to the unique experience of this drama, which is both thrilling and profound.   Accumulating Momentum and Concentrated Reversals One particularly satisfying upgrade in "Joy of Life Season 2" is the arrangement of crucial scenes, which not only emphasizes the layers of setup before these scenes but also focuses on the multiple reversals within them, captivating the audience with each turn of events. Typically, film and television productions avoid lingering in a single scene for too long to prevent viewer fatigue. When forced to remain in a single scene, various flashy camera techniques or martial arts scenes are often employed to add variety. "Joy of Life Season 2" is one of the few productions that can keep the audience engaged in a single scene without the need for elaborate camera techniques or martial arts scenes. This is…

In the scorching heat of summer, ancient Chinese people didn't have sunscreen, but they took sun protection seriously. Though the concept of physical sunscreen is a recent development, the approach to sun protection was quite similar: "shade" was key. Follow BAZAAR CHINOISERIE to learn how ancient people protected themselves from the sun. To shield themselves from the sun while staying mobile, a sun hat is the perfect summer accessory. Surprisingly, "sun hats" aren't a modern invention; they're mentioned directly in ancient texts. For instance, during the Ming Dynasty, the "Xu Tong Dian" listed various hats, mentioning: "Sun hats were permitted for scholars entering the imperial examinations during the early Ming Dynasty. (遮阳帽，明初士人贡举入监者许戴之。)" Similarly, the "Jian Hu Ji" describes the "sun hat" as follows: "According to Ming regulations, scholars could wear large sun hats after completing their studies at the imperial college, similar to the ancient bamboo hats or the Tang dynasty silk hats. (明制。士子入胄监满日。许戴遮阳大帽。即古笠。又唐时所谓席帽也。)" In addition, there were also Weimao (帷帽) popular during the Tang and Song dynasties. These hats had thin gauze attached under wide brims, offering advanced sun protection while also shielding against some wind and dust. Curtain hats, also known as Zhaojun hats, are said to be…

The long-awaited "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" has finally premiered. Before its release, the number of reservations on the platform has surpassed 7.94 million, breaking the historical record for reservations on iQIYI, igniting tremendous excitement. Adapted from the manga "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" by Xiao Xin Tuo. In a world of constant conflict between humans and spirits, the righteous head of the Tu Mountain Fox Clan, Tu Shan Hong Hong (played by Yang Mi), hopes for peace between both sides. To achieve this, she joins forces with Dongfang Yue Chu (played by Gong Jun), an orphan from the Dongfang family, to embark on a mission to foster love between humans and spirits. Their goal is to resist the dark forces threatening the Tu Mountain and to dissolve the sinister powers fueling the discord between humans and spirits. The stellar cast includes Yang Mi and Gong Jun as the lead actors, with special appearances by Guo Xiaoting, Wei Zheming, Hu Lianxin, and Wen Zhengrong. The three romantic storylines feature the heartfelt performances of Zhu Xudan and Yang Shize, Chen Yao and Mao Zijun, and Chen Duling and Zhang Linghe. With their outstanding looks, acting skills, and popularity, this lineup has stirred up…

The phenomenon-level hit drama "Joy of Life" welcomed its second season, garnering immense attention. Upon its release, the drama immediately dominated the hot search lists and broke historical records on Tencent Video, earning the title of "Drama King" officially certified by Tencent itself. Currently, "Joy of Life Season 2" has set a new record for the highest heat value in Tencent Video's history, claiming the top spot in viewership ratings during its time slot, truly deserving the title of a "hit drama." Since the airing of "Joy of Life 1," it has been five years, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger: Fan Xian (played by Zhang Ruoyun) was sent on a mission to the Northern Qi, one of his tasks being to retrieve Yan Bingyun. However, during the negotiations, he was betrayed by Yan Bingyun and collapsed after being stabbed, coughing up blood. As the protagonist of the series, we all know Fan Xian won't easily die, but how he dies and how he survives are intriguing questions. The beginning of "Joy of Life Season 2" briefly callbacks to the past, quickly refreshing the memories of the audience. Afterwards, Yan Bingyun personally sets fire to the corpse in front of the…

On the afternoon of May 22nd, "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" held an advance screening in Beijing. Five specially invited experts, along with media representatives and 300 audience members, gathered to watch the exciting first two episodes of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" on the big screen. They engaged in in-depth discussions with the executive producer of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and senior vice president of iQIYI, Dai Ying, as well as directors Mai Guanzhi and Du Lin. The five experts were Wang Yichuan, Vice Chairman of the China Literary Critics Association; Kang Wei, Editor-in-Chief of China Art News; screenwriter Song Fangjin; renowned director Lin Nan, known for his expertise in fantasy genres; and Li Yinghui, an expert in filigree inlay and lecturer at Zhejiang International Studies University. Li Yinghui was also involved in the prop production for the series and shared the rich history of filigree inlay craftsmanship with the audience, highlighting its clever application in the show. The experts provided immediate feedback and shared their impressions and evaluations of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact."   Wang Yichuan: Embodies the chivalrous spirit of traditional Chinese culture I've had limited exposure to fantasy dramas in the past, so I…

After countless calls and anticipation, Fan Xian has returned. On the evening of May 16th, after a 5-year hiatus, "Joy of Life 2" premiered online, skyrocketing in viewership and popularity. With a peak viewership rating surpassing 2.2 and a market share of 10%, it secured the top spot in viewership during the same time slot. On Tencent Video, its internal heat index reached 32,906, making it the first series in history to enter Tencent Video's hit club on its premiere day. On the second day of its release, the heat index surged to 33,636, breaking the platform's historical record held by "A Dream of Splendor" for two years (33,520). The actual views exceeded 29 million, setting a new high for the first-day views of new dramas in 2024. Topics related to "Joy of Life 2" dominated various social media platforms, with 16 trending searches within two hours of its premiere, almost monopolizing the charts. These impressive figures have solidified "Joy of Life 2" as the "King of Dramas". From a male-oriented work adaptation into a commercialized benchmark five years ago, to leading the entire online drama landscape with a bang upon its return, "Joy of Life" not only ignited another…

Clothing, food, shelter and transportation, the word clothing is the first. Throughout history, the Chinese have consistently showcased their pursuit of clothing. From the exquisite attire donned by emperors in ancient palaces to the fashionable ensembles spotted in bustling city streets, people appear to consistently have a wealth of commentary regarding fashion trends. Today, a documentary that was specifically created to delve into the rich Chinese clothing culture would be recommended - "Wearing China on the Body". It tells the story of Chinese etiquette, clothing expression, folk art inheritance, and human relationships through vivid clothing, and skillfully reflects the changes in people's aesthetic preferences in the era. The Chinese documentary "Wearing China on the Body" is composed of six episodes, including Sang Ma, Bu Yi, Ni Shang, Jin Xiu, Zi Jin, and Jiang Xin. This documentary interprets Chinese culture through the perspective of clothing, arousing the audience's profound longing for clothing aesthetics from various perspectives such as fashion, elegance, intricacy, culture, humanity, and emotion. Enable them to comprehend the China within which we reside from the dreamlike clothing realm.   Episode 1: Sang Ma This episode will trace the origin of magnificent Chinese costumes, choose the life course of different…

This year, the film industry has witnessed a perplexing move with the movie "Nothing Can't Be Undone by a Hotpot" being pulled from theaters and switched to streaming online. Just five days after its release, the film was withdrawn from cinemas, citing "various environmental factors" leading to low scheduling rates, with plans to re-release it at a later date. However, just six days after its withdrawal, this movie, originally intended for theatrical release, suddenly appeared online where it became accessible to subscribers without even a separate fee, leaving those who had paid for tickets feeling betrayed. This shift has significantly impacted Yang Mi, the lead actress, beyond just the director. This year has been pivotal for her, with not only "Nothing Can't Be Undone by a Hotpot" but also the spy drama "In the Name of the Brother," marking a substantial shift in her career towards both film and television. These roles signal a clear intention to transform, aligning with the broader trend among her peers from the post-85 actors, striving to redefine their artistic directions.   Post-85 Full-scale Transformation in Film and Drama With "In the Name of the Brother" setting the stage and "Nothing Can't Be Undone by…

Before "In Blossom" and after "Blossoms in Adversity," Youku released these two ancient-style dramas that achieved commendable success. However, before its premiere, "Blossoms in Adversity" was not favored by the market or the audience, lacking strong concepts and popular actors, and was considered just another assembly-line historical drama. Surprisingly, as the plot unfolded, "Blossoms in Adversity" managed to turn the tide against the odds. From initial widespread ridicule at its launch to its successful finale, "Blossoms in Adversity" can truly be considered an unexpected delight in this year’s market for ancient-style dramas. Recently, Pengxiaoxian spoke with Zhu Ruibin, the director of "Blossoms in Adversity," who shared the secret formula behind the drama's successful turnaround and his evolving creative philosophy over more than thirty years in the industry.   Targeting Cdrama Market Demands Produced by Youku and directed by Zhu Ruibin, with scriptwriting by He Fang, and starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi, with a special guest appearance by Myolie Wu, "Blossoms in Adversity" is a historical romance drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Kong Liu. The series narrates the story of Gu Yanxi (played by Hu Yitian), and the fallen noblewoman Hua Zhi (played by Zhang…

The audience for male-oriented dramas tends to believe in seeing is believing. They won't easily recommend a show or become fans of it just because it's based on a popular work or stars a well-known actor unless they've seen it with their own eyes. Recently, a lot of people have been enthusiastically recommending "Heroes" on social media, which premiered on Tencent Video and iQIYI on May 8th. The series, created by Bai Yicong with directors Lou Jian (known for "The Imperial Coroner" with a rating of 8.0 on Douban) and Wei Lizhou (director of "Ultimate Notes" with a rating of 8.2 on Douban), focuses on a martial arts theme set in a tumultuous era. It features mysterious cases, legendary heroes, treasure hunting in chaotic times, and a strong sense of patriotism. Although it hasn't been rated on Douban yet, the word-of-mouth has been rapidly and positively spreading. Just four episodes in, Tencent Video's binge-watching audience rated it an impressive 9.2. Discussions about the details of the drama are always heated, whether on social media platforms or in the comment sections of the two major streaming services. For instance, the real identity of Lin Anjing (played by Chen Siche) was guessed…

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.…

Emeralds are gemstones that are as ancient as the Earth itself. The oldest specimens date back 2.97 billion years and the first mines were established in Egypt around 1500 BC. In Chinese couture, these luminous stones solve the dilemma of blending timeless tradition with the desire for exclusive, luxurious expression. Their deep green allure has captivated hearts and adorned the luxurious world of Chinese couture for centuries. This article explains how emeralds have become synonymous with luxury and tradition in Chinese couture by transforming everyday fashion into a canvas of cultural storytelling and opulent taste. Read on to discover the journey of emeralds from royal dynasties to modern runways, and see how they continue to define sophistication and elegance in high fashion. Historical Roots of Emeralds in Chinese Culture Emeralds have held a revered place in the history of Chinese jewelry. They're often seen as symbols of prosperity and renewal. Historically, these vibrant gemstones were favored by royalty and nobility. They were embedded into the crowns and robes that graced the courts of ancient Chinese dynasties. Such pieces weren't merely ornamental but also served as amulets of good fortune and indicators of status. The Ming Dynasty, in particular, saw emeralds…