A Land of Rich Heritage and Natural Bounty Nestled in the southwestern part of Guangdong Province, Maoming is a city where history and nature intertwine to create a vibrant and unique cultural landscape. Known as the “City of Goodwill,” Maoming's name originates from a legendary Daoist figure, Pan Maoming, who was revered for his selfless acts of healing and benevolence during ancient times. The city's emblem proudly features the character for "good heart," a nod to its deep-rooted tradition of compassion, inspired by Lady Xian, a prominent political and military figure from the Southern and Northern Dynasties. The geography of Maoming is as diverse as its history. With mountains to the north and the South China Sea to the south, the city benefits from a range of landscapes that have shaped its development. The fertile plains and rolling hills have been the cradle of tropical and subtropical fruit cultivation, making Maoming a powerhouse in China's agricultural sector. This unique blend of historical significance and natural wealth has earned Maoming the title of "China's Fruit Capital," a place where the land's bounty is celebrated and revered. Exploring Maoming is a journey through a landscape where tradition meets innovation, where ancient practices…

Jinhua, a prominent spot on Zhejiang's map, is often affectionately referred to as a "scattered (散装)" city by its residents. This seemingly unflattering nickname stems from the city's diverse offerings, each capable of standing strong on its own. From the global renown of Hengdian World Studios and Yiwu's International Trade City to Yongkang's hardware industry and Dongyang's academic prowess, each facet of Jinhua's identity is distinct and powerful. Yet, when Jinhua is mentioned, the conversation often circles back to one thing: ham. However, the locals don't mind this reduction. In fact, they confidently assert, "You don't get it; our local food, like a good relationship, isn't meant to be widespread." Indeed, experiencing Jinhua's culinary delights is much like falling in love. At the heart of this experience are two key elements: carbs and meat. Jinhua's food offers a satisfying combination of comforting carbohydrates and richly flavored meats, making it a destination that leaves you feeling fulfilled after just one visit. The Comfort of Carbs: Jinhua's Beloved Staples In Jinhua, the sense of satisfaction that comes from a hearty meal is a fundamental part of the culinary experience. This is where carbs play a starring role, delivering that deeply ingrained feeling…

Crafting Scents from Poetry: The Art of Chinese Fragrance Yuanmingyuan (圆明园), often hailed as the "Garden of All Gardens," stands as a beacon of China's rich cultural heritage and artistic ingenuity. This imperial garden, constructed during the Qing Dynasty, was the epitome of landscape design, where nature and human creativity converged to create an earthly paradise. Its breathtaking scenery, characterized by a seamless blend of architecture, water features, and seasonal flora, inspired countless poets and artisans throughout the ages. In collaboration with the esteemed Yuanmingyuan, a new fragrance collection has been introduced that encapsulates the essence of this iconic garden. Drawing inspiration from the famous "Forty Views of Yuanmingyuan," this collection offers a sensory journey through the royal grounds, inviting you to experience the delicate balance of nature and art that defined the imperial aesthetic. The creation of these fragrances was a labor of love, spearheaded by Huang Ganju (黄赣军), a renowned master perfumer known as "China's Nose." With a deep understanding of traditional Chinese aesthetics and an unparalleled ability to identify thousands of natural ingredients, Huang sought to translate the poetic beauty of Yuanmingyuan into olfactory art. Using only the finest natural materials, sourced from the world-renowned fragrance houses…

From Music to Photography: A Journey of Transformation In the realm of modern photography, Yan Ming (严明) stands out as a luminary whose journey from a music enthusiast to a celebrated photographer embodies a rich tapestry of artistic evolution. Born in 1970 in Dingyuan County, Chuzhou, Anhui, Yan Ming’s path to prominence in the world of photography is a story of passion, perseverance, and a unique blend of artistry and personal growth. Yan Ming’s early life was steeped in the culture of a small town, where he was surrounded by the simple pleasures of everyday life. His father was a teacher, and his mother worked in the school’s administrative office. The young Yan Ming’s curiosity was sparked by the magazines and newspapers that arrived daily, providing him with an early exposure to diverse stories and ideas. This early engagement with literature and media set the stage for his future artistic endeavors. The Musician’s Dream: From Guitar Strings to the Lens In his youth, Yan Ming’s artistic aspirations veered towards music. During the 1990s, a period marked by a vibrant rock scene in Anhui’s Huainan, Yan Ming immersed himself in the world of music. Known as the “first bass player of Huainan,” he…

The first time I met Mina was in a small fruit and vegetable store. With her dark, curly hair and striking Central Asian features, she effortlessly conversed with customers in fluent Mandarin, even slipping into the local Shaanxi dialect. This Tajikistan native has formed a deep bond with the city of Xi'an, and her story is one of cultural integration and blossoming friendships. Mina, now 20 years old, has just completed her undergraduate studies at the Chinese Language Institute of Xi'an International Studies University. Reflecting on her four years of study, she describes her experience as "rich" and "exciting." During this time, she participated in numerous cultural exchange activities, from performing Central Asian tea ceremonies and dances at the Tang Dynasty Everbright City to singing at the China-Central Asia Youth Leadership Program. These experiences have not only enhanced her language skills but also her ability to sing and dance proficiently. One of Mina's most significant experiences was volunteering at the China-Central Asia Summit, where she introduced the Terracotta Warriors and the historical development of the Silk Road to guests and journalists. "The setup of the conference was incredibly impressive, and I felt honored to be a part of it," she…

In a mesmerizing convergence of Cantonese opera and cinematic artistry, Maoming's cinema hall witnessed a momentous event on the evening of July 4th. The premiere of "Lady Qiao Guo (谯国夫人)," a film that unfolds the historical narrative of Madam Xian (冼夫人) from Qiao Guo State, a revered figure in Maoming's cultural legacy, drew an enraptured audience. This cinematic gem, recently honored at the 36th China Golden Rooster Awards for Best Opera Film, now unveils the mystique of Madam Xian's life to her hometown, eliciting fervent acclaim. Celebrating Cultural Legacy The film's narrative orbits around Madam Xian, a distinguished stateswoman and military strategist during the Southern and Northern Dynasties. Revered by Premier Zhou Enlai as "China's foremost female hero," Madam Xian's tale is artfully retold through the distinctive lens of Cantonese opera, enriching the historical tapestry with vivid theatricality. Known for her pivotal role in maintaining national unity, promoting ethnic solidarity, and advancing the development of Lingnan, the film paints a vivid portrait of her extraordinary contributions. The narrative not only highlights her historical significance but also embodies the spirit of "Good Heart Culture," a philosophy espoused by herself: "I serve three generations with one good heart." Awarded the Best Opera…

In many ways, "Moon Red Arc" exposes a crisis of stellar gravity within the realm of scriptwriting—an issue that reverberates across genres like ancient puppetry, fantasy, and martial arts. An evident phenomenon emerges: even this year's frontrunner in the genre, "Phoenix Nirvana," has failed to meet expectations in terms of both popularity and critical acclaim. In recent years, series within the ancient puppetry genre seem to be trapped in a vicious cycle, with one leg firmly stuck in the pursuit of grandiosity, meticulous production, and high viewer numbers, while the other is mired in shallow storytelling, recycled character tropes, and lackluster performances. The current state of "Moon Red Arc" epitomizes this dilemma: its script and character development lack careful refinement, instead relying on the assembly of A-list stars and bombastic marketing blitzes to satisfy the demands of fans. However, beneath the veneer of Eastern aesthetics, the series finds itself ensnared in the whirlpool of superficiality. This crisis is emblematic of a broader stagnation within the genre landscape. Despite the immense potential offered by ancient puppetry, fantasy, and martial arts dramas to explore rich cultural tapestries and deliver compelling narratives, many productions have fallen into a formulaic trap, prioritizing style over…

In the pursuit of innovation in the Chinese drama market, traditional costume dramas are undergoing a revolution. With the rise of popular elements such as fantasy and idol, true costume dramas are becoming increasingly difficult to find. However, "Fighting for Love" brings a breath of fresh air to the audience with its simple style and authenticity. The drama abandons the glamorous special effects, vibrant costumes, and excessive filters, presenting the essence of costume dramas. Directed by Tian Shaobo, "Fighting for Love" stars Zhang Tianai, Zhang Haowei, Wang Ruichang, and others, and premiered on January 31, 2024. A Mai, the daughter of the Duke Jing of Nanxia, is killed by Chen Qi, her childhood friend. After several years, A Mai, who has grown into a young woman, disguises herself as a man and roams the martial world in order to seek revenge on Chen Qi. By a twist of fate, A Mai saves the son of the Crown Princess, Shang Yizhi, and subsequently helps him escape from danger multiple times. Their destinies become intertwined. As war breaks out, A Mai sheds her feminine appearance and joins the army as an infantry soldier. With her exceptional military talents, she achieves remarkable feats and…

"The Rise of Ning" is a historical drama that combines elements of love, power struggles, family conflicts, and rebirth. Produced by Huace Film & TV, directed by Mai Guanzhi, and starring Zhang Wanyi and Ren Min. The drama is adapted from Wen Tan's novel "Shou Fu Yang Cheng Shou Ce", with the reincarnated female protagonist Luo Yining at the center of the story. It tells the story of how she gradually helps the originally destitute male protagonist Luo Shenyuan become the powerful Prime Minister of the Imperial Court, while maintaining a kind and pure heart. Luo Yining, the daughter of the Luo family, has lived a life free from the constraints of formalities and traditions since childhood. She repeatedly lends a helping hand because she cannot bear to see others bullying her "third brother" Luo Shenyuan. As time goes by, she gradually discovers that Luo Shenyuan, who appears to be down and out, is actually talented in both literary and martial arts. Having been hurt in love, Luo Yining is determined not to be confined to the mansion and be at the mercy of others. She aspires to break away from old conventions and start her own business using her…

The Song Dynasty was a prosperous era of cultural and artistic flourishing, and in recent years, there has been an increasing number of dramas set in the Song Dynasty. However, the Song dynasty trend depicted in "Serenade of Peaceful Joy" and "Palace of Devotion" failed to gain momentum. The only drama that consistently dominates the screen is "The Story of Ming Lan", which, although drawing references from Song Dynasty costumes and artifacts, is still a "Song-like drama" with a blurred portrayal of the historical era. Currently, the creation of Song Dynasty dramas is still on the rise, and it is expected to reach a small peak in the next two years. Firstly, the adaptation of "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival" into a drama has received close attention, with Zhang Songwen leading the cast. This has also brought a wave of popularity to "Along the River During the Qingming Festival". It tells the story of Zhao Buyou, a minor official in the Xuanhe period of the Northern Song Dynasty, and his family's involvement in solving numerous extraordinary cases. Filming began in October last year and is still in progress. Another drama set in the background of Emperor Renzong's reign in the…

Period political drama is a popular genre in the Cdrama market, and it has always had extraordinary appeal. From "Legend of Concubine Zhen Huan" to "Nirvana in Fire" and "Story of Yanxi Palace," whether based on real historical events or fictional stories set in an alternate history, the power struggle between characters and the political intrigue in the court always arouse the curiosity and thirst for knowledge of the audience. They hope to see how the protagonists cleverly deal with various challenges. Among them, the genre of alternate history allows for the free play of imagination, creating a unique worldview and story background without being limited by real history. Because the audience does not know how the story will develop, this sense of unknown excites and anticipates them even more. Recently, the period drama "Love of Nirvana," adapted from the alternate history novel by Xiaolou, announced its completion of filming. Based on Xiaolou's novel of the same name, the drama tells the story of Xiao Wuxia, the young lord of the Moonfall City, who disguises himself as Wei Zhao and infiltrates the Liang Kingdom for many years, carrying the stigma of a treacherous minister. In order to uncover the truth…

In the world of online literature, the rural farming genre has been popular for many years and is one of the most beloved types. Nowadays, this trend in content is blowing towards the film and entertainment industry. Last year, the industry's first rural farming drama called "Romance on the Farm" was announced and immediately gained attention with a few leaked photos, attracting the full attention of audiences across the internet. In the first half of this year, the new variety show "Become a Farmer" launched by iQiyi also received enthusiastic praise from young audiences. Recently, the highly anticipated "Romance on the Farm", which audiences have been eagerly waiting for nearly a year, has officially premiered. Since its debut, its popularity has been steadily increasing, with rural countryside and family anecdotes appearing in the sight of more and more people. This clearly demonstrates the exceptional success of this new drama. Audiences have expressed their satisfaction, stating that they have finally seen a truly authentic rural farming drama that fulfills all their expectations for this genre.   The relaxed plot of Romance on the Farm The appeal of "Romance on the Farm" lies in its precise grasp of the two core elements…

The summer has just passed, and the top video platforms in China are preparing for a new round of drama preheating. Youku, iQiyi, and Tencent Video, as the main broadcasting platforms for Chinese dramas at the current stage, have announced more than 200 upcoming dramas in their 2023-2024 lineup, which can be said to have gathered the important forces of Chinese dramas, and also serve as a window to glimpse the industry's development and market prospects. Whether it is the adjustment layout of the conventional track or the forward-looking exploration of the innovative field, every move of the top platforms has attracted great attention. The content matrix formed by this not only reflects the platform's capture and contemplation of the changes in public aesthetic taste as project managers, but also influences the future trend of the industry.   What genres of drama dominate? In terms of genre, the three major platforms, still regard costume dramas and urban dramas as their main focus. After all, these two types of dramas have always been incubators for blockbusters and star-making tools, which can bring considerable revenue to the platforms in terms of membership services, artist management, and peripheral derivatives, and broaden their business…

After the adaptation of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" into a film and television series, the first part has been completed and is highly anticipated with over 2 million reservations. The most attention is on the "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yue Hong," especially with Yang Mi and Gong Jun leading the cast, featuring a lineup of high beauty among all the upcoming dramas. With excellent production quality, it undoubtedly shines among the rest. As the female lead Yang Mi, with her outstanding beauty and solid acting skills, has always performed exceptionally well in period dramas. The same applies to her performance in the "Yue Hong." Previously, she stunned everyone with her red outfit in the stills, leaving a lasting impression. In the new poster, Yang Mi unveils a completely new look. Compared to the previous white-powdered or all-red outfits, she now dons a light blue attire, accompanied by a more elegant makeup and hairstyle. Her overall temperament appears more gentle and her beauty and harmony with the character are enhanced. Alongside the male lead Gong Jun, who previously wore a white and blue outfit, their coordinated costumes give off a couple-like feeling, which has garnered unanimous praise and countless compliments from netizens and…

As the first drama written and directed by Guo Jingming (pseudonym Gu Xiaosheng), "My Journey to You" has been in the spotlight since its premiere, and continues to be a topic of discussion. It is well known that popular directors/producers like Guo Jingming, Yu Zheng, and Wang Yixu, even if they have not released any works for a long time, are always surrounded by legends about them. Information about them is no longer clear and precise, as if all the praise and criticism are shrouded in a veil of mist, making it difficult to distinguish. It is unfair to judge the work itself and other cast and crew members from this perspective. Therefore, today, let us temporarily set aside the controversies and love-hate relationships that have long focused on Guo Jingming, and re-examine the work "My Journey to You".   The dichotomy of visual beauty and impressive sight When "My Journey to You" first aired, it was common to see some hesitant netizens wandering in various comment sections, trying to seek authentic evaluations from the viewers who were the first to watch this drama. Interestingly, although everyone's responses were different, the overall sentiment was surprisingly consistent, all expressing that this…

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…

"Creation of the Gods I" has announced its release date on July 20th. This mythological film, directed by Wu Ershan and starring Huang Bo, Fei Xiang, Li Xuejian, Xia Yu, and Chen Kun took over five years to produce and will finally meet with audiences. "Creation of the Gods" started shooting in September 2018 as a trilogy. The three parts were titled "Creation of The Gods I: Yao Luan Guo Shang", "Creation of The Gods II - Mo Dao Zheng Feng", "Creation of The Gods III - Feng Shen Tian Xia". Part one was initially planned to be released during summer 2020 but production schedules had been disrupted due to the pandemic. Now that it is set to premiere this summer season, can it boost the entire market? "Creation of the Gods" is based on China's famous classical novel "Investiture of the Gods", narrating an epic mythical war that lasted over three thousand years between humans, immortals, and demons. In part one of this series, Huang Bo plays Jiang Ziya; Fei Xiang portrays King Zhou of Shang; Li Xuejian appears as Ji Chang, King Wen of Zhou; Xia Yu takes up Shen Gongbao’s role while Chen Kun portrays Yuanshi Tianzun -…

The unique space of costume dramas in the Chinese drama market is indeed impressive, as proven by several recent hits. "The Ingenious One," starring Chen Xiao and Mao Xiaotong, has maintained a good level of popularity since its premiere, presenting an incredibly brilliant tactics drama. "Till the End of the Moon," led by Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu, has achieved true success, constantly breaking viewership records. Although this drama has received mixed reviews, it does not affect the enthusiasm of its fans. With such outstanding viewership, the drama has successfully boosted the popularity of many actors, including the already popular Bai Lu, who has been the subject of continuous topics. Even though this drama has already ended, there are still lively discussions about its characters. In "Till the End of the Moon," Bai Lu portrays different characters with distinctive traits and highlights, she has shown progress and is suitable for the setting of costume dramas. Now, Bai Lu will star in another costume drama that fans have been eagerly anticipating, "Story of Kunning Palace." As the countdown to its premiere continues, the drama's popularity continues to rise.   Romantic Love & Intense Palace Fights The drama "Story of Kunning Palace,"…

Romance Xianxia drama "Back From the Brink" will officially launch on May 10th as the follow-up drama to "Till The End Of The Moon". With the overall quality and strength of "Back From the Brink", it may become another dark horse in the May period drama lineup with obvious potential for success. The drama "Back From the Brink" is adapted from the novel of the same name by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. The main plot is as follows: twenty years ago, Tianyao (played by Hou Minghao) was stripped of his bones and sealed in the four directions with the power of the five elements by his beloved Su Ying (played by Yang Rong), the master of Guanghan Sects. Ten years ago, Tianyao's soul escaped from the seal by chance and he sensed that his dragon bones were sealed in a mountain village lake. He attached his soul to the body of a dead boy and waited for the opportunity to retrieve his dragon bones. The appearance of Yanhui (played by Zhou Ye) gave Tianyao hope. Originally, she had dragon blood in her heart, which could help him break the seal. So Tianyao began to use Yanhui to help him find…

China has a long history of loving and appreciating flowers, but in fact, before the Northern and Southern Dynasties, flowers were rarely used as the main decorative motifs in life, from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Han dynasty, the dominant decorative motifs were mainly animal and geometric. It was not until the Wei-Jin-North and South Dynasties periods that, with the introduction of Buddhism, the Lonicera twining pattern was introduced into China, and under the development and effect of cultural intermingling, the Lonicera twining pattern with exotic colors was combined with the local lotus pattern with auspicious symbolic meaning, forming a new form of decorative pattern. These motifs first appeared in a large number in the decoration of religious instruments, and as they spread, they also appeared frequently in the decoration of secular crafts. In the Tang Dynasty, in addition to the floral patterns inherited from the Wei and Jin Dynasties, different floral shapes such as peonies and chrysanthemums, as well as the Baoxiang patterns also appeared in the expression of the decorative patterns. The floral patterns of the Tang Dynasty are very different from the slender and delicate shapes of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, with rich and…