The ancient mythological film "Creation of The Gods I: Kingdom of Storms," directed by Wuershan, is currently being enthusiastically screened. From the initial lack of confidence to now receiving numerous recommendations from audiences, the film's trend has been steadily rising against all odds. According to data, the film has already grossed over 1 billion RMB in box office revenue and received a high score of 7.8 from 230,000 users on Douban. These outstanding figures in terms of commercial production prove that the film is making a comeback based on word-of-mouth and clearly demonstrate strong audience recognition and high expectations for sequels. In addition to its innovative plot and characters, the film's depiction of the atmosphere during the Shang Dynasty is truly exquisite. Historical details such as turtle shell rituals and dazzling bronze artifacts not only pique people's curiosity about this ancient dynasty but also showcase remarkable craftsmanship. If you wish to explore Shang dynasty culture and related archaeological sites, then understanding Yinxu (殷墟) is essential. Yinxu was once the capital city site during the late Shang Dynasty in China. It is located on both banks of Huai River in northwest suburbs of Anyang City, Henan Province. Centered around Xiaotun Village,…

The costume fantasy drama "Lost You Forever", written by Tonghua and directed by Qin Zhen and Yang Huan, starring Yang Zi, Zhang Wanyi, Deng Wei, Dai Luwa, and Wang Hongyi, has come to an end on Tencent Video. A tumultuous journey of watching the drama has thus concluded. For a wonderful drama like "Lost You Forever", the audience never stops urging for more updates. The speed at which it is aired is often very fast; twenty days of binge-watching quickly pass by. However, the longing and reminiscence in the hearts of the viewers are also enduring feelings that stretch like vast mountains and rivers. From today onwards, Xiaoyao's yearning bids farewell temporarily while the viewers' yearning has just begun. What viewers yearn for is Xiaoyao (played by Yang Zi), who embodies their ideal image of a female protagonist; it is the different emotional patterns between the female lead and Cang Xuan (played by Zhang Wanyi), Tushan Jing (played by Deng Wei), Xiangliu (played by Tan Jianci), Chishui Fenglong (played by Wang Hongyi), which stimulate their imagination about intimate relationships; it is also the authentic plotline with highly unified production aesthetics that evoke fascination with Chinese bad ending style. Undoubtedly, "Lost…

A film of such magnificence and grandeur, "Creation of The Gods I: Kingdom of Storms" has been in preparation for nearly 10 years, finally makes its way to the audience. The whole crew is inevitably filled with apprehension. As a master of oriental aesthetics, Ye Jintian (Timmy Yip) has previously designed costumes for numerous films and TV productions such as "A Better Tomorrow," "Rouge," "The Banquet," and "Red Cliff." In 2001, he won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction for his work on "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," becoming the first and only Chinese person to receive this honor. However, when Ye Jintian took on the role of art design director for the Creation of The Gods movie, it was an unprecedented challenge for him. It is the largest project in terms of workload and scale that Ye Jintian has ever encountered. With over 200 members in the art team and a set covering 500 acres, Ye Jintian designed more than 120 scenes and thousands of costumes. From the magical city of Zhaoge to the ancient kingdom of Xiqi, from primeval forests to Kunlun's fairyland; from King Zhou with his martial prowess to Daji with her enchanting beauty; from mythical…

"Young Blood Season 2" premiered on July 29th, 2023, with main cast includes Zhang Xincheng, Zhou Yutong, Wang Youshuo, Su Xiaotong, Zheng Wei, Fu Weilun, and others. After a four-year hiatus, "Young Blood Season 2" has arrived as scheduled with the original team behind its creation. What's different this time is that Wang Juan not only served as the script planner but also personally took on the role of screenwriter. Such sincerity undoubtedly raises high expectations among viewers for a new round of plot developments. The second season continues the storyline and character settings from the first season. Set during the Qingli period in the Northern Song Dynasty era when young spies were trained in the Secret Pavilion by the Bureau of Military Affairs, it revolves around six intelligent and resourceful youths: Yuan Zhongxin who possesses great wisdom; Zhao Jian who combines beauty with quick-wittedness; Xiao Jing who refuses to take lives; Wang Kuan who never tells lies; Xue Ying who prefers solitude; and Wei Ya Nei (Wei Yuan) who has an outgoing personality, together they form Qi Zhai. After going through numerous life-and-death trials, they experience personal growth while remaining united and loyal to their country. In the first…

The summer drama season is in full swing, with various streaming media releasing their long-awaited high-quality drama series, bringing continuous surprises to different genres. Among them, the Xuanhuan drama genre has been shining brightest with the exceptional performance of "Lost You Forever". Since its premiere, this drama has achieved remarkable viewership and has continuously broken popularity records, expanding its influence among the audience and most securing the title of this year's summer popular drama. In a market where excellent films and TV series are frequently released recently, what sets "Lost You Forever" apart from other major productions? What innovations does this work bring to the Xuanhuan & costume genre?   Record-breaking Popularity Since its debut on July 24th, "Lost You Forever" quickly climbed to the top of online streaming indexes. It became the highest-rated drama series for June-July period across all online platforms with an impressive index score of 90.58. This trend propelled it into the ranks of blockbuster dramas for the summer season. Furthermore, it maintained its position at the top of daily charts for multiple days consistently. The unwavering popularity surrounding "Lost You Forever" ignited a fervor among viewers during this summer season. In an era where major…

In 2022, plenty of wonderful Chinese costume dramas accompany us. For example, the military and espionage drama "The Wind Blows From Longxi" based on the Three Kingdoms period; "Luoyang" and "Strange Legend of Tang Dynasty" set in the Tang Dynasty; "A Dream of Splendor" set in the Song Dynasty; "Imperial Cuisine" and "The Imperial Age" with the Ming Dynasty background; and the latest Qing Dynasty theme drama "The Long River". There are still some dramas in the 2022 to-broadcast list that have not yet aired, check them out here. The following is a list of Chinese costume dramas in 2023, as compiled by Newhanfu. Destined · 长风渡 (Aired) Aired: June 18, 2023 Also known as: Chang Feng Du Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Historical, Romance Main Role: Bai Jing Ting as Gu Jiusi, Song Yi as Liu Yuru, Liu Xue Yi as Luo Zishang Plot summary of Destined The drama "Destined" is based on Mo Shubai’s novel of the same name. Liu Yuru (柳玉茹, played by Song Yi), the daughter of a cloth merchant, has been suffering from her mother's illness, her concubine mother's lack of mercy, and her father's lack of attention since she was a child, so she…

The current drama market has become a trial ground for many top-tier dramas, and those who can break through the competition are receiving industry attention. The recently premiered drama "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is a prime example. According to public data, the show garnered over 4 million reservations, with more than 21.5 million bullet comments within 5 hours of its premiere. It topped various rankings such as the trending list, TV drama list, and rising list on the platform, reaching the top spot on the daily popularity chart just two hours after its premiere. It is quite surprising that this story about Jianghu (martial arts world) can stir up such storms during the summer season primarily targeted at young mainstream audiences. Analyzing the discussion points of this drama reveals that it is this refreshing portrayal of Jianghu in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" that helps drive its positive word-of-mouth transformation and accumulates strength for future dissemination. Though seemingly set in familiar Jianghu settings: heroic individuals, martial arts sects, isolated village inns, desolate ancient tombs, these well-known elements of Jianghu are portrayed by vivid characters in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook," delivering new emotional impact and viewing experiences to audiences. This creates another legendary tale within…

Chinese costume detective dramas have finally gained momentum. In September of last year, when "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" just premiered, the industry exclaimed, "It has been a long time since we've seen a costume detective drama." Little did all know that in just ten short months, over a dozen historical Chinese costume detective dramas would be ready for release. In the history of Chinese dramas, costume detective dramas have achieved remarkable success. From the "Justice Bao" series in the 1990s to the drama series "Witness to a Prosecution" in the new millennium, and then to "Young Justice Bao," "Amazing Detective Di Renjie," and "Judge of Song Dynasty," this genre has paved its way with equal brilliance as historical dramas. Unfortunately, in recent years, costume detective dramas haven't been very popular. However, with the emergence of shows like "Young Blood" and "Ancient Detective," this genre is once again at the forefront of the industry. The success and popularity of "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" showcase how these types of dramas have accumulated strength over time and are now poised for further development. Currently, Chinese costume detective drama have presented four subgenres: strange, romance, female-oriented, and patriotism. Among these subgenres, the…

On July 12th, the costume drama "The Legend of Anle" took over from "Hidden Love", bringing a second wave of cdrama frenzy for the summer season. The premiere episode delighted viewers with amusing plot points such as "gazing through veils," "mutual rescue at sea," and "proactive marriage proposals." "The Legend of Anle" tells the story of Ren Anle, a righteous individual dedicated to the well-being of the people. While investigating a family mystery, she gains recognition from Prince Han Ye, who shares her commitment to their family, country, and citizens. As one of the highly anticipated dramas for the summer season, "The Legend of Anle" quickly captured audience affection with its compelling characters, light-hearted comedy elements, and profound themes – securing its position as number one on popular ranking charts.   Multi-dimensional characters Historical costume dramas have always been favored by audiences; however, with an abundance of similar content available today comes a certain level of viewer fatigue caused by formulaic productions that perpetuate gender stereotypes like dominant men and weak women. In truth, it is the characters themselves that form the core essence of any story. The success or failure of a drama hinges upon whether these characters can…

Once again, the annual summer season has arrived, and multiple top-tier S+ drama projects are being released. The competition among these prominent historical costume dramas is intense, as they strive to break viewership records. On one hand, there's the attention-grabbing cast of "Destined" that has sparked discussions; on the other hand, "The Longest Promise" makes a sudden appearance in an attempt to capture audience interest and attention. Amidst this fierce battle between major productions, a low-budget self-produced drama called "An Ancient Love Song" manages to carve out its own space in the realm of public discourse. Upon exploring the series synopsis, it becomes clear that it neither relies on conventional online literature adaptations nor boasts renowned actors; however, it surprisingly gains audience traction during this highly competitive summer season. Distinct from grandiose productions vying for attention through lavish displays, "An Ancient Love Song" primarily relies on passionate recommendations from its audience.   A Nonconventional Time-Travel Drama In terms of genre,"An Ancient Love Song" falls into the category of time-travel dramas wherein a modern-day male protagonist encounters an ancient "demonic queen," leading to a captivating love story. Notably innovative within this time-travel framework is its utilization of dual reverse chronological travel.…

This summer, it is destined to be a carnival for Chinese ancient costume dramas. First, we had "Lord of Snow Eagles" and "Destined," followed by "The Longest Promise" and "Divine Destiny." And in the upcoming yet-to-be-aired dramas, we have highly anticipated hits like "The Legend of Shen Li" and "My Journey to You." It can be said that one masterpiece follows another, leaving audience overwhelmed. Especially after completing filming in March, "My Journey to You" quickly obtained its distribution license and officially passed the review process within a very short period. As a pre-produced drama slated for summer season lineup, it is expected to premiere in the middle or later part of the summer. With its excellent production quality, captivating storyline, and a cast full of talented individuals who possess exceptional looks, once it starts airing, it will undoubtedly set new heights for costume dramas. The Wuxia cdrama "My Journey to You" tells the story of rebellious young noble Gong Ziyu and spy Yun Weishan's journey towards growth as they both crave freedom. This marks Guo Jingming's directorial debut in television after achieving consecutive successes in the film industry. His talent has gained recognition from the industry at large. At…

Yet another historical romance drama has broken records, "Destined," led by actors Bai Jingting and Song Yi. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Mo Shubai, this drama tells a legendary love story about Gu Jiusi (played by Bai Jingting), a prodigal son in Liangzhou City, who accidentally becomes married to Liu Yuru (played by Song Yi), the daughter of a cloth merchant. Their love grows after marriage, creating a captivating narrative. In the ancient costume drama, it is common to see the setting of marriage before love. What sets "Destined" apart? How does this epic tale of mutual growth ignite audience enthusiasm?   The Metamorphosis of the lead roles "Destined" can be divided into three stages: Yangzhou period, Youzhou period, and Dongdu period. Episodes 1-15 primarily focus on Gu Jiusi and Liu Yuru's emotional development as they meet and get to know each other in Liangzhou. Part of the high points from the original work are derived from this stage, which helped accumulate popularity and fan base during its first week of airing. Episodes 16-29 mainly revolve around the transformation and growth of protagonists as they journey from Yangzhou to Youzhou. The tone gradually shifts from light-hearted…

The hot-blooded Xianxia drama "Lord of Snow Eagles," directed by Li Dachao and starring Xu Kai, Gulnazar, Bai Shu, and Lu Tingyu, is currently airing. This drama is adapted from a novel of the same name. The story revolves around Dongbo Xueying, a young man with an ancient bloodline, who becomes entangled in the conflict between righteousness and evil as he strives to save his mother. Along the way, Xueying meets and falls in love with Yujingqiu, a descendant of the divine race. Together, they overcome numerous obstacles and eventually grow into the legendary Lord of Snow Eagles that shines brightly in the Orient. Xianxia dramas have always been popular among young audiences in Chinese film and television productions. Creating a unique worldview is often essential for such dramas. In terms of production value, Xianxia dramas tend to have relatively high costs due to special effects shots, action choreography, green screen editing skills etc., which require time and financial resources. Some large-scale productions even rely on CG technology to enhance visual effects. "Lord of Snow Eagles" has indeed created an expansive and innovative world view. Its fight scenes and special effects are commendable; if we overlook its conventional plotlines and focus…

As the first half of 2023 draws to a close, various Chinese video platform' top-performing drama statistics have been released. According to the data collected, there have been changes in audience preferences and creative directions within the industry. Despite an overall improvement in Cdramas' quality this year, with particular emphasis on high-scoring productions such as "Three-Body," "The Knockout" and "The Long Season," few stand out as true blockbusters based on viewership numbers alone. After "The Knockout", the second-highest-ranked series was Xuanhuan cdrama "Till The End Of The Moon," with a total view count of 2.71 billion. So far this year, only “The Knockout” has exceeded three billion views during its initial broadcast period; none have reached three billion or more since then. Of course, some of the highly popular works with limited airplay are closely related to the short number of episodes. For example, the summer hottest cdrama "Love Between Fairy and Devil", with a total of 36 episodes, had a playback volume of around 2.2 billion during its hit period. Last year's hottest cdramas like “A Lifelong Journey”, “New Life Begins” and “Love Like the Galaxy,” all had episode counts exceeding forty episodes, with “Love Like the Galaxy” split…

Although currently "Destined" and "Snow Eagle Lord" and other costume dramas are gaining momentum, their achievements are also impressive enough. However, compared to the upcoming lineup of dramas set to premiere in the summer season, they are clearly just an appetizer. Aside from highly anticipated works like "The Longest Promise" and "Lost You Forever," there is also a quality production called "Zhuo Zhuo Feng Liu," starring Feng Shaofeng and Jing Tian. With its strong production value, compelling story, and talented cast, especially after the release of its trailer in recent days, it has gained even more attention. The TV drama "Zhuo Zhuo Feng Liu" is directed by the powerhouse director Wen Deguang. This director has previously created acclaimed works such as "Dr. Tang." The collaborating screenwriter Wang Hong is also a leading figure in the industry. In addition to that, with the main storyline focusing on the growth and aspirations of our female protagonist who strives for success in her career as an official named Mu Zhuohua, as well as her redemption and love affair with Liu Yan, a warrior burdened with national grudges, who fights valiantly on bloody battlefields; this story truly embodies a captivating narrative. In this first…

The Dragon Boat Festival (Duan Wu Festival, 端午节) is considered one of the oldest traditional folk festivals in China, alongside the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. According to records, the Dragon Boat Festival originated from the worship of celestial phenomena and evolved from ancient dragon rituals. The Dragon Boat Festival is an auspicious day associated with this imagery of a soaring dragon; thus, both dragons and dragon boat culture have always been an integral part of its historical legacy. The term "Duan Wu" itself first appeared in Fengtu Ji during the Jin Dynasty. However, nowadays when most people mention the Dragon Boat Festival, they often associate it with Qu Yuan's legend. Legend has it that on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, Qu Yuan tragically sacrificed himself by plunging into Miluo River out of loyalty to his country. Upon hearing this news, local villagers rushed to their boats to rescue him. Worried about their speed not being fast enough, they vigorously rowed while also fearing that fish would devour Qu Yuan's body, hence throwing rice dumplings into the river. Later on, people designated the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar…

In June 2023, the Chinese television industry entered summer along with high temperatures. At the beginning of the month, the first China Drama Conference was held in grand style. Meanwhile, after a year's hiatus, the Shanghai Television Festival reopened its doors. The industry's exhibition & activities were among the first to resume, bringing back smiles on people's faces who had not seen each other for a long time. Production started slowly with only a few projects underway but picked up pace suddenly in May as 27 new productions began filming during that month alone - matching those from all three months of Q1. The quality of dramas receiving high reviews has significantly improved compared to previous years. Outstanding works have found their recipe for success against short videos' challenges. In June, four historical drama series that had been quiet for many years successfully passed regulatory filing procedures and reignited dreams within this once glorious genre. At this moment, important changes are happening in creating Chinese dramas.   Insights from hit dramas The above are the popular dramas that aired during the first five months of 2023, with most premiering in the first four months and one in late December last…

With the official start of the summer broadcast season, there is a flood of new drama information. On one hand, "Destined" has already become very popular upon its release, while on the other hand, "Snow Eagle Lord" is eager to compete with it. There are also several costume dramas that have not been aired yet but have already gained popularity. Among them is "Romance on the Farm," starring Zeng Shunxi and Tian Xiwei which recently obtained its distribution license. With its unique plotline, all-star cast with excellent looks and acting skills, and strong creative team leading the way behind-the-scenes, once this show airs it may just be another hit cdrama for viewers to enjoy. Unlike typical historical dramas that focus on imperial or wealthy households, "Romance on the Farm" takes place in ancient rural China with a time-travel element added into the mix. The story follows a modern girl named Lian Man'er who travels back in time where she meets her male protagonist counterpart and together they embark on an adventure of becoming elite farmers and achieving wealth as well as ultimately finding love. This fresh take on themes and storyline makes "Romance on the Farm" highly intriguing for audiences.…

Eight years ago, the first season of "Inheritor" (2015) premiered. This documentary series focused on the skills and emotions of inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, showcasing little-known traditional techniques to the public and arousing people's interest in experiencing, watching, and exploring intangible cultural heritage. Eight years later, what kind of sparks can be generated when traditional intangible cultural heritage collides with modern technology? On June 10th, the documentary "Cultural Inheritor" premiered. Based on inheriting outstanding traditional culture and holding a modern scientific perspective, this program allows ancient techniques to collide with modern technology while further examining the civilization codes hidden in intangible cultural heritage. It not only showcases the charm of integrating culture and technology but also helps tell stories about intangible cultural heritage while conveying China's cultural charm and confidence to audiences worldwide.   Perceiving the aesthetic value of drama and technology The inheritance and innovation of intangible cultural heritage cannot be separated from generations' adherence to tradition while innovating. "Cultural Inheritor" excavates true stories between inheritors and projects, telling stories about intangible cultural projects through dramatic means while recounting wonderful life experiences by inheritors. With advances in technological methods, there are now more opportunities for projects related to…

On June 18th, the romance costume drama "Destined (Chang Feng Du, 长风渡)", adapted from the novel of the same name by author Mo Shu Bai, directed by Yin Tao and starring Bai Jingting and Song Yi, began airing. The main characters are well-defined and the plot progresses rapidly. As for the current plot, it has outstanding highlights and logical development. As a debut in the summer of 2023, it has stabilized its position. The plot of "Destined" is full of ups and downs while also paying attention to family and national sentiments. The casting and filming were highly anticipated, not to mention that after wrapping up production, lead actors Bai Jingting and Song Yi were rumored to be in a relationship. Fans as well as viewers who enjoy costume dramas are eagerly anticipating watching this ancient love story which combines palace intrigue, business endeavors, and imperial court politics. The female lead Liu Yuru. She is an aristocratic daughter from a cloth merchant's family but her father is notorious for favoring his concubines over his wife. Liu Yuru was never valued by her father growing up; her stepmother was unkind towards her while her biological mother suffered from serious illness. This…