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…

In mid-March, three costume dramas were successively released online. The appeal of "Zhao Liying + Xianxia dramas," the freshness of "Ju Jingyi + villain roles," and the uniqueness of the male protagonist work, have firmly secured the top three spots on the popularity chart for the dramas "The Legend of Shen Li," "In Blossom," and "Burning Flames." In terms of data, "Burning Flames," which was first released on iQIYI on March 13th, reached a total of 21.979 million views on the second day of its release, second only to the top-ranked modern puppet drama "Everyone Loves Me." By the third day of its release, it surged to the top, surpassing the starring drama "Simple Days" by Tong Yao and Chen Xiao. However, the first-place achievement of "Burning Flames" was only briefly maintained. "In Blossom," exclusively broadcasted on Youku, rose to the top with 40.071 million views on the second day of its release. "In Blossom" became the dark horse of March. The first two episodes showcased Ju Jingyi's fierce villain character breaking the stereotype of her delicate ancient beauty image, which was deemed as the most suitable role for her by netizens. The character of the villainous supporting actress seemed…

In comparison to the vast number of literary work adaptations, there are relatively few cdrama adaptations based on games or comics as the source. This is partly due to the scarcity of game works or comic works that are suitable for visual adaptation, as well as the undeniable challenges of adaptation. However, this has not dampened the industry's enthusiasm for the development of game adaptations and comic adaptations, as the traffic effects and audience influence of these two special works far surpass those of ordinary literary works. Especially in the current wave of online literature work adaptations, game adaptations and comic adaptations are becoming increasingly lucrative. Just from the end of last year to the beginning of this year, we have seen the release of game adaptations such as "Sword and Fairy" and "Sword and Fairy 4," as well as comic adaptations like "The Hope" and "White Cat Legend," among others. Additionally, there are highly anticworkated upcoming series such as "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact," "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Love in Pavilion," and "Fox Spirit Matchmaker 3," indicating the enormous commercial value of game adaptations and comic adaptations. While there have not been many game adaptations and comic adaptations in the…

The martial arts film "The Wild Blade of Strangers" officially landed on iQIYI. From its theatrical release on March 2nd to its online debut on March 8th, "The Wild Blade of Strangers" only took 6 days. However, unlike previous films that quickly made their way online, the release of "The Wild Blade of Strangers" was a strategically planned proactive move. According to the creators, from the inception of "The Wild Blade of Strangers," they aimed for a release on the streaming media. After the film was completed, many audience representatives and industry peers were invited to watch it. While they praised the quality of the film, they also suggested the idea of trying to enter theaters. It has been a long time since such an exciting Wuxia action film has graced the big screen. Subsequently, with the introduction of the concept of "theatrical release," and after rapid preparations, "The Wild Blade of Strangers" finalized its strategy of releasing in theaters and then transitioning to online streaming on the streaming media. Since iQIYI launched the "Master of Action Season" on January 18th, the film and television industry has been closely watching iQIYI's next moves. In recent years, martial arts films have…

In the annals of the internet's memory, Hanfu made its debut in the public eye in 2003 when a power worker strolled through the streets of Zhengzhou clad in Hanfu, sparking widespread intrigue. Back then, donning Hanfu in public would undoubtedly invite curious gazes and discussions from passersby. However, times have indeed changed. Nowadays, it is no longer a novelty to encounter boys and girls in Hanfu on the streets, let alone in the online, where exquisite Hanfu photoshoots, vintage makeup tutorials, and hairstyling guides are readily available. There is also a plethora of gatherings for Hanfu enthusiasts. While participation is easily accessible, delving deeper into the subject may surprise many, as Hanfu is far more than just a visually appealing garment. In this article, author Acheng (TOPYS) will share his perspective about hanfu. The Hanfu community has long been subjected to ridicule and prejudice, with many still holding the belief that most Hanfu enthusiasts are merely superficial admirers of beautiful clothing. Throughout history, Hanfu has been intricately intertwined with the development of Chinese culture, spanning numerous historical epochs and reflecting distinct characteristics alongside the evolution of societal ideologies and aesthetic standards. Dongjin Shangyu has been immersed in the world…

The long-dormant male leads in ancient costume dramas are set to make a comeback in the coming two years. Nowadays, male-oriented dramas generally refer to adaptations of online novels representing the genres of ordinary mortals, immortals, and sons-in-law, or TV series based on major in the genres of martial arts, fantasy, and adventure. These dramas typically feature a central male lead, with the plot revolving mainly around the male protagonist's growth, love life, strategies, and conflicts. Some of the notable big male leads include Mei Changsu in "Nirvana in Fire," Fan Xian in "Joy of Life," and Ning Que in "Ever Night." Such dramas typically boast high investments and grand productions, with production companies often selecting rising actors who can attract viewership and popularity to play the role of the male lead. After all, in the eyes of fans, the moments of the male lead and female lead are considered the highlights for actors, and a cast with a long character development arc and a star-studded lineup are essential. Building on the foundation of male-oriented novels, in recent years, dramas featuring dual male leads, trios of male leads, and ensemble casts have become increasingly popular. Productions like "Young Blood," "Douluo…

When it comes to Chinese dramas, historical and fantasy themes are undoubtedly a tried and true popular choice. In recent years, outstanding works in the fantasy genre have emerged, from "Love Between Fairy and Devil " to "Till the End of the Moon," and then to "Lost You Forever," all igniting a craze for drama watching. This year, the upcoming series "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" and Zhao Liying's "The Legend of Shen Li" are highly anticipated, intensifying the competition in the historical costume drama genre. Amidst the bustling market, the highly anticipated drama "Burning Flames" has recently announced new developments. Today, the drama released a trailer and will aired in March 13th. With a strong cast and great potential for popularity, the pre-broadcast hype has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm for watching. The drama "Burning Flames" is adapted from the cartoon "Wu Geng Ji." This cartoon has reached the peak of popularity in recent years with its unique creativity and passionate storyline. Centered around Wu Geng, the son of King Yin Shou of the Zhou Dynasty, the story depicts a feud spanning across the human, god, and underworld realms. Wu Geng, a prince with blood ties to both the divine…

In Jin Yong's world, the jianghu transcends its origins as a realm outside the law in traditional knight-errant novels, evolving into a timeless symbol of order and spirit. The role played by actual locations and scenery in live-action filming is not merely decorative - rather than being extravagant landscape promotion, it serves as a probing and revisiting of the order and chivalrous spirit of the jianghu. As a self-contained realm of power, the jianghu has dissipated after a long period of decline. In recent years, a wave of Jin Yong dramas and films born out of the overflow of the film and television industry has made it increasingly challenging to authentically capture even the superficial aspects of the martial arts jianghu. From 1957 to 1959, Jin Yong, after leaving the "Ta Kung Pao," joined the Great Wall Movie Enterprise as a screenwriter and director. His two years of foray into the film industry may be considered insignificant in his lifetime. However, in terms of the influence of Jin Yong's works in the Chinese-speaking world, the credit cannot be overlooked for the film and television adaptations based on his novels. Since the two-part film adaptation of "The Legend of the Condor…

Vocab Deity Parade - 游神 (yóu shén) - the name used to call this parade where deity are invited though offerings to parade around town and village as a sign of fresh year, luck, prosperity, and abundant harvest.  Divine General - 神将 (shén jiàng) - directly refers to generals, warriors, and those who have certain authority or accomplishment for humanity. They are subordinates of higher generals or gods and play an important role in the protection of different towns. They are also considered gods themselves. For this article, mentioning of gods, deities, or divine figures refers to these generals and figures who parade around town, not gods like the Bodhisattva, Queen Mother of the West (王母娘娘, wángmǔ niángniáng), or Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝, yùhuáng dàdì). Moon blocks - 筊杯 / 圣杯 / 圣筊 (jiǎo bēi / shèng bēi / shèng jiǎo) - wooden tools from China used for seeking divine guidance with offerings provided to said deity. They are in pairs and can be made from different wood materials and take on different shapes.  "Smiling" Cup - 笑杯, 正 (xiào bēi, zhèng) - two flat side of the moon block, meaning your question is unclear and you can repeat yourself using…

The pavilion (Ting, 亭) is a type of traditional Chinese architecture, originating from the Zhou Dynasty. Often built along roadsides, it serves as a place for pedestrians to rest, cool off, or enjoy the scenery. Pavilions are usually open-sided structures, without surrounding walls, and their roofs can take various shapes such as hexagonal, octagonal, or circular. Due to their lightweight design, diverse materials, and flexible layout, pavilions are widely used in garden architecture. The Forbidden City's Imperial Garden boasts twelve pavilions, while the Summer Palace features over forty pavilions. In the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Garden of Pleasance, pavilions actually make up more than half of all the structures in the gardens. "No pavilion, no garden" - you may have encountered pavilions to a greater or lesser extent in various gardens, but only briefly stopped to rest or admire the view, without truly observing the pavilions themselves. Are they square or circular? Hexagonal or octagonal? What decorations adorn the pavilions? What wisdom lies in the arrangement of pavilions? Some say, "Pavilions are one of the simplest architectural types." But are pavilions truly that simple, to the extent that they are overlooked by most people? Architecturally, pavilions have actually reached…

People are always curious about history, wondering about the appearance of famous figures from the past. Today, with the help of AI technology, the face of the emperor of the Song Dynasty has been recreated. The Song Dynasty was an important era in Chinese history, with its territory expanding and contracting, divided into the Northern Song and Southern Song periods. The capital of the Northern Song was in Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), while the capital of the Southern Song was in Lin'an (modern-day Hangzhou). The Song Dynasty was a time of prosperity in commercial economy and cultural education in Chinese history. During this period, there was relatively enlightened politics, agricultural development, thriving commerce and urban centers, social changes, the revival of Confucianism leading to the formation of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, rapid technological advancements, flourishing poetry, and high achievements in calligraphy and painting. Scholars estimate that the Song Dynasty's GDP accounted for 22.7% of the world economy at that time, and the total population in 1124 reached 126 million. Some scholars praise the cultural achievements of the Han Chinese, culminating in the Song eras after thousands of years of evolution.   Zhao Kuangyin Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin (960-976), reigned…

"Eternal Brotherhood" is a costume drama directed by Zhang Meng and Wei Lizhou, written by Tian Liangliang, starring Yang Xuwen and Liu Yuning, with special guest appearance by Zhang Ming'en. It premiered on February 27, 2024. Adapted from the original novel "Zi Chuan" by Lao Zhu, the story unfolds on the Xi Chuan Continent, where various family forces are in constant turmoil. The plot follows the efforts of Zichuan Xiu, along with his sworn brothers Di Lin and Siyi Lin, to protect the Xiuchuan family from internal and external threats, restore order, and defend against external enemies. Through the baptism of blood and fire, and the clash of blades, the three brothers evolve into heroes with ambitions to change the world. Amid the chaos on the Xi Chuan Continent, tensions rise between the Zichuan and Sairong tribes. In this turbulent era, war looms on the horizon, where those around you could be either trusted allies or long-planted moles. Friends may wear smiles to your face but wield knives behind your back. Those entangled in power play a dangerous game, akin to walking on the edge of a blade, with each step filled with peril. Zichuan Xiu (portrayed by Yang Xuwen),…

The historical fantasy drama "White Cat Legend" adapted from the highly popular anime "Da Li Si Ri Zhi" has a strong lineup of familiar actors, such as the male lead Ding Yuxi, along with Zhou Qi, Wei Zheming, Ren Min, and others. In this series, these actors have broken through their previous images and portrayed different roles, bringing a fresh perspective to the audience. The storyline of this drama itself is quite innovative. The male lead in the series witnesses his father's murder, which leads him to premature aging overnight. However, during his father's funeral, he is once again attacked but this time he is transformed into a cat. After years of wandering, he returns to Dali Temple to uncover the truth and explain his new identity to others. Ding Yuxi rose to fame through his collaboration with Zhao Lusi in the historical drama "The Romance of Tiger and Rose," which was not a traditional costume drama. He has since ventured into various genres of film and television, working with outstanding actresses such as Yu Shuxin and Zhang Yuxi. The role he takes on in this new drama presents a significant challenge for an actor, requiring not only acting skills…

The China Spring Festival Gala of 2024 received high praise, with the program "Nian Jin" providing a delightful surprise to the audience. Liu Tao, Liu Shishi, Li Qin, and Guan Xiaotong appeared on stage in costumes from different dynasties such as Han, Tang, Song, and Ming, leading a group of Hanfu girls to present a visual feast of traditional culture to the audience. Hanfu has finally gained recognition once again, being showcased to people nationwide and even worldwide. Behind this success lies a movement called the "Hanfu Revival" that has been unfolding over the past twenty years. Countless enthusiasts of Hanfu, undaunted by criticism, have cherished traditional values, all in the pursuit of reviving the attire of the Han people that was once stripped away. From facing scrutiny to now being ubiquitous, how has the revival of Hanfu come to this point, and what drives their unwavering dedication? In 2003, a group of awakeners and practitioners of Han culture began to gather on a forum called Han Wang, where one of the main topics of discussion was Hanfu. Despite being relegated to the sidelines of history during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Hanfu, as a traditional attire of…

The notion that a popular cdrama drives tourism to a corresponding Chinese city has become commonplace in the past two years. Whether it is the popularity brought by "The Knockout" to Jiangmen, "Meet Yourself" to Dali, or "Blossoms Shanghai" to Shanghai, once a drama breaks free from its usual boundaries, a wave of enthusiastic followers is bound to emerge. In the realm of film and television catalyzing cultural tourism, there are typically three approaches. The most direct approach is through filming location sightseeing tours. The three aforementioned dramas fall into this category. According to the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Cultural and Tourism Bureau, following the success of "Meet Yourself," Dali received a total of 4.2393 million visitors during the 2023 Spring Festival holiday, representing a 219% year-on-year increase. However, such following the trend phenomena require a strong sense of authenticity; once the illusion created by the series shatters, the audience may easily lose interest. The second approach involves film and television base tours. This type needs no elaborate explanation, with places like Hengdian World Studios, Xiangshan Film and Television Town, and the recent output from Oriental Movie Metropolis drawing substantial profits from holiday tourism. The third approach revolves around immersive…

The Chinese civilization has a long and illustrious history spanning over five millennia. Within the river of time, there flow venerable heroes and legends that evoke admiration and awe. Many Chinese documentaries also focus on this rich tapestry of history, giving rise to top-notch masterpieces such as "Hexi Corridor," "The Journey of Xuanzang," and "Daming Palace." In this post, you will be introduced to a new documentary, "China Before China." This is the first documentary that stands from an archaeological perspective, exploring the origins of Chinese civilization through the lens of archaeology. Almost all China archaeological units participated in the filming, with over 100 top experts in the field leading the endeavor. The film's production team is also formidable, featuring the artistic teams behind "Wrath of Silence" and "Why Try to Change Me Now." Additionally, renowned musician Luo Dayou composed the theme song, and stars like Hu Ge, Wu Qian, and Cao Lei made cameo appearances without compensation. Of course, the most noteworthy aspect is the professional archaeological team, including esteemed figures like Professor Yan Wenming from the Chinese archaeological community, Professor Zhao Hui from Peking University, Professor Qin Ling, and Professor Li Xinwei from the Institute of Archaeology of…

Before the Spring Festival, "Judge Dee's Mystery" officially premiered. This is the second series after 2010's "Detective Dee" to feature Di Renjie as the main character, vividly portraying his meticulous investigative abilities. While it may not have the original cast, it can be considered a revival of the classic IP of Di Renjie. However, audience data indicates that viewers seem somewhat unconvinced by this incarnation of Di Renjie. Currently, "Judge Dee's Mystery" has accumulated a total valid viewership of 287 million, which, for a series of this scale, can only be described as average. Coincidentally, "Sword and Fairy 4" and the adaptation of "Chinese Paladin 6" titled "Sword and Fairy" also premiered around the same time. Both are derived from the classic IP "Xian Jian Qi Xia Zhuan (Chinese Paladin)." As cherished memories for numerous viewers, "Chinese Paladin" and "Chinese Paladin 3" are untouchable classics. Naturally, viewers will scrutinize these two series with a critical eye. Presently, "Sword and Fairy 4" has a Douban rating of 4.3, while "Sword and Fairy" has a rating of 5.0, both receiving lukewarm reviews. In recent years, the revival and development of classic cdrama IPs (Intellectual Property) extend beyond Di Renjie and the Chinese…

From the Spring and Autumn period to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, from idealism to realism, the first two seasons of the epic documentary "China" made a strong entry into the realm of high-scoring documentaries, receiving unanimous acclaim. Unexpectedly, the "China Season 3" took a different approach, starting from mythology and embarking on a reverse journey through time: from early myths to ancient history, from primitive society to agrarian civilization, the establishment of the state, and the development of rites, allowing us to glimpse the civilization codes shimmering in the galaxy of history. What is even more noteworthy, the "China Season 3" incorporated a large number of the latest archaeological discoveries and invited 183 outstanding young artists to create 443 Chinese paintings. Through special effects, the paintings came to life, combining storytelling and aesthetics to provide us with an artistic feast.   Unique realm of romantic imagination Every civilization has its own creator god. Just like a prelude to life, in Chinese mythology, Pangu is the god who broke the chaos, bringing light to the world, creating the first mountain and the first river. Nuwa, with a human head and a snake body, represents the gods of eternal life and reproduction,…

From the 2020 "Hikaru no Go" to "The Long Ballad," there has been a frequent emergence of excellent animes adaptations. In 2023, "I Am Nobody" concluded perfectly with a high score, showcasing the endless charm of popular anime, followed closely by the premiere of "Tiger and Crane," sparking a new trend in adapted dramas. It can be seen that this genre has risen as a new favorite in the drama market. Presently, another new work, "White Cat Legend," is about to debut on February 20. Young actors gather to solve mysterious cases and unveil the mysteries of the capital. This drama is adapted from the ancient-style detective work "Da Li Si Ri Zhi (大理寺日志)" by the cartoonist RC, telling the story of the mysterious new Young Inspector of Dali Temple, Li Bing, leading the people of the Dali Temple to embark on thrilling investigations, adventures, and uphold inner justice within the city of Luoyang.   Youths chasing mysteries The story of "White Cat Legend" takes place in the divine capital under the rule of the empress. During a banquet at the Tang Palace, Li Bing, favored by the empress, is appointed as the Young Inspector of Dali Temple. With the guidance…