The 2024 "Silk Road Week" grandly opened at the China National Silk Museum! The highlight of this event is the grand exhibition "The Silk Road's Chang'an," officially launched with over 210 artifacts on display, including more than 50 first-class relics. The exhibition is divided into five sections, showcasing a vibrant, diverse, open, and integrated Chang'an through aspects such as politics, economy, culture, lifestyle, and its long-standing connections with Zhejiang. Chang'an, the ancient name for Xi'an, located in the central Guanzhong Plain, is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Historically, over ten dynasties, including the Western Han, Xin, Eastern Han, Western Jin, Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang, established their capitals here over a span of more than a thousand years. It is the city with the longest history, most dynasties, greatest influence, and richest heritage in Chinese history. During the Han and Tang dynasties, Chang'an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, a crucial node connecting the Eurasian continent. With its thriving economy, splendid culture, and inclusive nature, it became an undeniable global metropolis and a center of cultural exchange between China and the world. This year marks the 10th…

Since its inception, "The Tale of Rose" has been under the spotlight, garnering significant attention throughout its development. Firstly, the involvement of director Wang Jun and screenwriter Li Xiao, both renowned for their urban-themed works and recognized by the Magnolia Awards, along with the addition of Liu Yifei, has heightened audience anticipation. Additionally, the drama is produced by New Classics Media, a subsidiary of China Literature Group, known for its leading role in urban dramas and its expertise in adapting Yi Shu's works, with an impeccable track record. However, the project also faces considerable pressure. How can it cultivate something unique in the well-trodden field of female-centric dramas? How can it navigate shifting audience tastes amidst changing public discourse? How can it avoid being pigeonholed? "The Tale of Rose" explores love but avoids compensatory romanticism. It portrays independent, free-spirited modern women without pandering to idealistic fantasies. Using a realistic approach, it depicts a courageous and evolving female protagonist. Despite not taking the shortcut of sensationalism, it still deeply resonates with the audience. Its professionalism shines through practical yet imaginative symbolism, clever cross-cutting, and meticulous visual details, constantly drawing viewers into the main story. On social media, many analyze its buried…

In the annals of Chinese television history, there exists a groundbreaking series that stands as the very first of its kind in the realm of fantasy drama: "The Legend of Sword and Fairy." Adapting characters from the popular novel series, the show introduced viewers to a vibrant cast of characters portrayed by acclaimed actors such as Liu Yifei as Zhao Ling'er, Hu Ge as Li Xiaoyao, Ariel Lin as Lin Yueru, Wallace Huo as Tang Yu, and Liu Pinyan as Anu, each depicted in colorful photographs. Zhao Ling'er exuded ethereal beauty with a playful demeanor, while Li Xiaoyao embodied boundless spirit and youthful exuberance. Tang Yu was characterized by his youthful vigor, Lin Yueru by her proud beauty, and Anu by her innocence and liveliness. These characters, brought to life from the pages of the novel, leaped off the screen with their vivacious and lively portrayals. The entire cast delivered performances brimming with vitality, charm, and a delightful playfulness, endearing themselves to audiences with their lovable and relatable characters. As the story unfolded, viewers were drawn into a world of unpredictable twists and turns, mirroring the unpredictability of real life. The characters embarked on separate journeys, yet ultimately converged on…

In the realm of Chinese television, Jin Yong's wuxia dramas once reigned supreme, capturing the hearts of audiences with their tales of honor, betrayal, and martial arts prowess. However, in recent years, a proliferation of remakes and adaptations has inundated screens, often with controversial alterations that deviate from the cherished originals. This trend has led to a palpable decline in audience expectations for Jin Yong's wuxia dramas. Yet, despite the criticisms and skepticism, the allure of these timeless tales remains undiminished, fueling an ongoing wave of reinterpretations and reimaginings. Enter "The World of Jin Yong," a series that has garnered considerable attention for its bold narrative innovations. While staying true to the classic framework laid down by the original works, this drama embarks on daring creative ventures by delving into the characters' youthful exploits and intertwining romantic plotlines. By doing so, it offers viewers a fresh perspective and a chance to rediscover the iconic heroes of wuxia lore. The success of "The World of Jin Yong" lies not only in its willingness to push the boundaries of storytelling but also in its adept handling of beloved characters and their relationships. By exploring the formative years of these figures and delving…

Moon Red Arc transcends racial divides and challenges fate with its magnificent portrayal of emotions. Each character's emotional entanglements and personal growth revolve closely around themes of combating prejudice and safeguarding peace. In a world where bias often dictates relationships, it's only through love and respect that barriers and barriers can be broken down. In the story, the relationships between humans and spirits are not inherently antagonistic; rather, they are depicted with vivid and rich complexity. Particularly, the spirits of Tushan collectively emerge with lively, harmonious, and beautiful portrayals. The portrayal of spirits showcases a side of them that is lovable, harmonious, and beautiful, challenging conventional perceptions and stereotypes. The central theme of love and acceptance permeates every aspect of "Moon Red Arc," resonating deeply with audiences and sparking important conversations about tolerance and understanding. Through its nuanced exploration of relationships between different races and cultures, the series encourages viewers to embrace diversity and celebrate the unique qualities that make each individual special. Moreover, "Moon Red Arc" serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and compassion. Despite the challenges and obstacles they face, the characters in the series find strength in their connections with one another,…

Recently, the female characters in the historical drama "The Double" have sparked much discussion with their pearl makeup. Not only do their hair accessories feature pearls, but their faces are adorned with numerous pearls, too, placed on their foreheads, cheeks, and corners of their mouths. Attentive viewers have counted up to 25 pearls on one face, with the least adorned having 8 pearls. This leads to the question: why do they put pearls on their faces? The Trend of Pearl Makeup The practice of applying pearls on the face dates back to the Song Dynasty and was quite popular at that time. Ancient women used rouge and other pigments to decorate their faces or created various patterns with materials like gold, jade, pearls, and colored paper, which they adhered to their cheeks. This practice was known as "Mian Ye (面靥)," with pearl makeup specifically called "Zhenzhu Mianye." Pearl makeup was actually a form of the ornate makeup from the Tang Dynasty, which became fashionable in the Song Dynasty. This trend persisted partly because the Song Dynasty carried on the traditions of the Tang and Five Dynasties periods, where facial decorations were highly regarded. Additionally, influenced by Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism, which…

In recent years, the phenomenon of "live-action adaptations of Chinese comics" has surged in popularity, captivating audiences with its unique blend of comic book narratives brought to life on screen. This burgeoning market offers a diverse range of themes and holds immense potential, attracting significant attention and investment from major platforms in China. However, the journey to success in this realm seems fraught with challenges, with the specter of difficulties in adapting comics to live-action looming over many productions. How can creators navigate the complexities of bridging the gap between two distinct mediums, ensuring a balance between the essence of the original comics and the demands of live-action storytelling? The answer to this question remains elusive, requiring ongoing exploration and innovation. The anticipation surrounding the release of Fox Spirit Matchmaker: "Red-Haired Girl" was palpable, with high expectations from various quarters. Fans of Chinese comics eagerly awaited to see how a beloved IP would transition to the small screen, while aficionados of historical dramas rejoiced at the prospect of encountering the "ancient costume beauty ceiling" once again. Moreover, the production team's announcement of utilizing virtual production technology for the first time in a domestic long-form drama only served to deepen the…

The initial attraction to "The Story of Suzhou" was its poetic poster. The ancient city’s flowing water, misty bridges, and a beautiful woman standing on a stone slab, separated from the bustling city, captivated many. The poster featured a couplet: "In spring, Suzhou's greenery spans the river, stone bridges and red towers remain unchanged." As the premiere approached, this poetic atmosphere only intensified. The official social media account wrote: "Unveiling the splendor of Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage, weaving a new chapter of millennia-old cultural lineage." Lead actress Xiao Yan said, "Within the opening and closing of scenes, one sees the beauty of intangible heritage, and encounters the vibrant life of Jiangnan in the streets and alleys." In today's extensive audio-visual entertainment landscape, how should cultural and tourism micro-dramas position themselves? What role should these short dramas play in promoting local culture and tourism? "The Story of Suzhou" provides the answer: a key, that fully unlocks the audience's curiosity and desire to explore. Literature once played this role. Wang Anyi casually wrote in her book, "The moonlight in Suzhou seems especially cool and smooth, people feel refreshingly clear, even sleep is clear and bright," sparking readers' longing. "The Story of Suzhou"…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

Currently, after shedding the excesses of previous bubbles, long-form video content has entered a phase of steady, high-quality growth. As the most crucial sector of long-form video, series have become the primary battleground for platforms. However, competition in this space has evolved to be more positive. Rather than resorting to cutthroat tactics, platforms are solidifying their unique advantages based on historical experience, cultivating differentiation that cannot easily be replicated by competitors. They are reinforcing their distinctive brands to build a content moat. A retrospective view of the 2023 series market and a preview of 2024 through platform content lists reveals this underlying logic clearly.   Reflecting on 2023 Series In 2023, effective cumulative plays for series surpassed 300 billion across the entire network. Despite challenging external conditions, the market achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Two main pillars supported this performance. Major flagship dramas on each platform exhibited outstanding market performance, primarily in conventional mainstream genres. Examples include "The Knockout", and "Who Is He", which are suspense series that enjoy broad audience appeal. Their concurrent premieres on both online and traditional TV platforms achieved high online popularity and television viewership. Ancient romances drama like "Till the End of the Moon", "Lost You Forever",…