In the past 40 years, China has been the main market for exporting Japanese and American animations. However, in recent years, Chinese animation works have gradually gained attention in the international market. In 2018, the first Chinese original animation series "Scissor Seven" was launched on Netflix and made its way overseas. After being simultaneously broadcasted in over 190 countries and regions worldwide, the entire animation market has accelerated its pace in going global. In 2019, "White Snake" was nominated for the Feature Film competition unit at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France. In the same year, the phenomenal work "Ne Zha" was released in North America and achieved a box office of 3.69 million dollars, setting a new record for the distributing company. In 2021, "I Am What I Am" participated in the largest animation festival in North America, the AIF Animation Film Festival. This summer, the domestic animated film "Chang An" received both critical acclaim and box office success overseas. In addition to an increasing number of Chinese animation works being available on mainstream international media platforms and attracting attention from the global market, various Chinese video platforms have also made moves to enter the international market.…

The Chinese documentary "Wen Mai Chun Qiu" which premiered on November 23rd, is a treasure trove documentary that chronicles the history and culture of famous historical cities. For the first time, it takes the backdrop of the geographical changes in the five thousand years of Chinese history, focusing on "historical and cultural famous cities." Through the combination of virtual digital technology and real-world visuals, it showcases the historical changes and cultural landscapes of ancient cities from different perspectives, while also exploring the culture and civilization of ancient cities, and even China as a whole. This documentary selects historical and cultural famous cities from different regions and ethnic groups in the East, West, South, North, and Central regions of China. By examining the evolution of the terrain and historical maps of cities during different periods, it explores the characteristics of city site selection, urban planning, street design, and housing. It showcases the wisdom of adapting to local conditions and the ideal of harmonizing human habitation with nature, as well as the design philosophy of unity between heaven and man displayed by the Chinese people throughout history. Currently, the Langzhong section and Shaoxing section have been presented to the audience. It can…

Since its premiere in 2019, "Joy of Life" Season 1 has become a highly anticipated and popular TV drama. With its captivating storyline and outstanding cast, the show has attracted a large audience and sparked a nationwide craze for binge-watching. For many fans of this drama, the most anticipated thing is naturally the arrival of "Joy of Life" Season 2. After nearly four years, the filming of "Joy of Life Season 2" has finally begun. This news is undoubtedly good news for the eagerly awaiting audience. What's even more delightful is that the cast of the second season remains the same. In many TV dramas, it is common for the main cast to be replaced in the second season, which can easily affect the audience's perception and enthusiasm for the show. However, the fact that "Joy of Life 2" is able to reunite the original cast is not only a great fortune but also a testament to the production team's dedication and respect for the audience. Of course, in addition to the return of the original cast, the second season has also added some outstanding actors. The addition of these fresh talents will undoubtedly inject new vitality and tension into…

The 7th Chengdu Hanfu Festival, a grand gathering of traditional and modern, fashionable and cultural Hanfu enthusiasts, has become a business card for the inheritance and development of Chengdu's traditional culture. In this one-day festival, thousands of Hanfu enthusiasts from all over the world gather in Wenshu Fang, a cultural landmark in Chengdu, to celebrate this Hanfu-themed festival. Hanfu, as an important part of Chinese traditional culture, attracts more and more young people with its unique charm and beauty. The Chengdu Hanfu Festival provides a platform for Hanfu enthusiasts to showcase themselves. Led by the Tang Dynasty costume ladies as the overall leader, four main theme formations, as well as Chengdu's characteristic panda parent-child formation and 19 club formations, begin the grand Hanfu parade. Here, people can appreciate various styles of Hanfu, from the Qinhuan Quju to the Ming Dynasty ceremonial dress, and even the armor from different dynasties, which is truly a feast for the eyes. These exquisite Hanfu not only showcase the aesthetic of Chinese traditional culture, but also convey the rich traditional culture and history of the Han ethnic group. In addition to Hanfu displays, the Chengdu Hanfu Festival also hosts a variety of cultural activities. The…

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

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

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

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

With the increasingly prosperous Chinese TV drama market, the ancient costume drama of suspense and detective stories has also reached a new peak. "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" and "Ripe Town" have received numerous accolades. Against this backdrop, the highly anticipated "Judge Di's Mystery" will be released in the near future, once again leading the audience into a Tang Dynasty world full of mysteries and intellectual confrontations. "Judge Di's Mystery" is directed by Li Yunliang, starring Zhou Yiwei, Wang Likun, Zhong Chuxi, and featuring Ji Ta, Ling Zi, and You Yongzhi. Zhang Jiayi and Zhang Ruoyun are invited to star in this costume detective drama. The drama is adapted from the novel of the same name by Dutch writer Robert van Gulik, with the protagonist being the Chinese Tang Dynasty prime minister Di Renjie. It depicts Di Renjie's legendary experiences of solving cases and unraveling mysteries as an official in the provinces and the capital, with each episode featuring different cases. In this drama, Di Renjie, with his intelligence, sense of justice, and courage, unravels a series of extraordinary cases, seeking justice for the people and showing unwavering loyalty to the country, showcasing the brilliance of a great Tang Dynasty…

Hello, dear readers! Today, we're about to embark on a journey into the heart of "Wonderland of Love", a drama where love tangoes with war, and characters are as complex as a royal court intrigue. Our main leads, Li Ni and Cui Lin, are not your average Joe and Jane. They're warriors, lovers, and everything in between. So, grab your popcorn, and let's unravel the tapestry of these intriguing characters.   Li Ni - The Prince of War Li Ni, the grandson of the emperor, is not just a pretty face with a royal title. He's a man of substance, a warrior with a cause. His journey from a somewhat naive prince to a seasoned war strategist is as thrilling as it is inspiring. What makes Li Ni so fascinating is his ability to balance the burden of royalty with the raw realities of war. He's like a chess master, always two steps ahead, yet his heart remains vulnerable. His love for Cui Lin is not just a subplot; it's the fuel that drives his ambitions. Let's not forget his tactical brilliance. Li Ni's strategies in the battlefield are a testament to his intellect and adaptability. He's a character who…

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

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

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

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

As one of the highly anticipated costume dramas of 2023, "Story of Kunning Palace" finally made a strong debut in the winter season. The number of pre-orders before the premiere has exceeded 7.4 million. After the premiere, the drama's popularity was unstoppable, and with its soaring momentum, it quickly attracted a large number of casual fans and related content creators. What is the magic of "Story of Kunning Palace"? "Story of Kunning Palace" has remarkable highlights in various dimensions of character development, emotional expression, world-building, plot progression, value innovation, and aesthetic creation in Chinese costume dramas. It is not difficult to understand why it has sparked another wave of phenomenal drama craze in Q4 of Chinese dramas.   The intertwining of strategy and love Many viewers have given feedback that the plot of "Story of Kunning Palace" is smooth and fulfilling. What makes "Story of Kunning Palace" achieve this effect? Firstly, the clever and ingenious foundation setting of the entire story makes it rich and vibrant. Based on the continuous progression of the main storyline, the opening pace is brisk, and the plot remains engaging. Jiang Xuening, after experiencing hardships, finally becomes the queen but is forced to commit suicide.…

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

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

When we mention Chinese porcelain, perhaps you will associate it with the simplicity and profoundness of Ru kiln, the lustrous beauty of Ding kiln, and the natural elegance of Jun kiln. Your mind will conjure up one classic masterpiece after another. However, the "BLAND DE CHINE - Dehua Porcelain Exhibition" at the National Museum of China presents us with another aspect of porcelain. This artwork, created by a contemporary artist, breaks through our usual imagination of materials. It uses porcelain to simulate thin and translucent clothing, portraying the texture and folds of the garments flawlessly. The depiction of individual strands of hair is exquisitely detailed, leaving viewers in awe. The porcelain is made to resemble paper, even imitating the rough edges of paper to a remarkable degree. Even when magnified several times, it is difficult to discern that this is actually a piece of Chinese porcelain. In the long river of history, the skilled craftsmen of ancient China fully unleashed their imagination and created some porcelain pieces that deviate from our stereotypical impression of porcelain. Let us appreciate these Chinese porcelain pieces that are the least like porcelain.   Stone or Porcelain During the Qing Dynasty, it was popular to…

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

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