During China's Song Dynasty, tea transcended its role as mere beverage to become a profound cultural institution that permeated every level of society. Within the imperial court, it evolved into an elaborate ritual that blended art, politics, and spirituality in ways that would define Chinese tea culture for centuries to come. The sophistication of tea preparation and appreciation reached unprecedented heights, creating traditions that continue to influence tea practices today. The Imperial Tea System The Song emperors established an elaborate system for tea production and preparation that began with specialized plantations. Emperor Taizong (太宗) established the Beiyuan (北苑) tea plantation in Fujian province exclusively for imperial consumption, setting new standards for tea quality. The most prized variety came from the mist-shrouded Huangshan mountains in Anhui, where tea leaves were carefully picked, processed, and transported to the capital under strict supervision. At court, tea masters employed the intricate "Dian Cha" (点茶) method, grinding tea leaves into fine powder that was then whisked with hot water. This preparation required precise temperature control and specific brewing vessels. The emperor Huizong (徽宗), himself a renowned tea connoisseur, documented these techniques in his "Treatise on Tea," describing the ideal seven stages of water addition and…

I was keeping an eye on the news from Gamescom, and when Zhong Kui (钟馗) popped up, my first reaction was genuine surprise. It wasn't that I was expecting DLC for Black Myth: Wukong - it was more that the Zhong Kui IP feels like a familiar yet distant figure. The last time I heard this name in mainstream pop culture was probably over a decade ago in a TVB series. Using a traditional cultural IP that has somewhat faded from public memory means there's almost no existing blueprint to follow. They'll have to rebuild public recognition of Zhong Kui almost from scratch. But then again, the first Black Myth game laid a solid foundation. Not only did it turn developer Game Science into an IP with a loyal fanbase, but it also established a framework for using the gaming medium to deconstruct and reimagine traditional culture—a framework Black Myth: Wukong has already proven can effectively break through cultural barriers overseas. For Game Science, an IP like Zhong Kui—rich in meaning and open to reinterpretation—offers tremendous creative freedom. Unlike Sun Wukong, a household name and national-level IP, Zhong Kui lacks a clearly defined canonical narrative or a structure that easily lends…

The surprise hit NOBODY (浪浪山小妖怪) has now passed the 1-billion-RMB mark at the box office. Like its name suggests, this one is another spin-off from Journey to the West—and that's hardly unusual anymore. Among the five domestic animated films this year that crossed the 100-million-RMB line, three were based on classic novels. Aside from Langlang Mountain, there's Ne Zha 2, adapted from The Investiture of the Gods. That one grossed 15.446 billion RMB early this year, setting a new record for single-film earnings in China. The summer release Curious Tales of a Temple (聊斋：兰若寺) also brought in 242 million RMB. Looking more closely, the relationship between domestic animation and these classic stories feels like a kind of "two-way dependency." Not only do most blockbuster animated films come from traditional literature, but in recent years, successful adaptations of these works seem to appear almost exclusively in animation. The live-action side has never stopped trying to make hits out of Journey to the West or The Investiture of the Gods (sometimes nicknamed "the fifth great classic"), but more often than not those attempts flop. So why is it that animated films can consistently turn these ancient texts into box-office gold? What creative…

The last two years in the drama market have felt like a desert: too many misses, too few real hits. When it comes to the industry's definition of who can "carry a drama" (扛剧, means recognition from producers and platforms, not just fan hype), producers and platforms are becoming much more cautious. Compared to the so-called "traffic stars" whose pulling power is always in a Schrödinger's cat state—sometimes effective, sometimes an illusion—the top actresses who have built their status step by step through solid works are generally seen as the real deal when it comes to carrying a show. But in just one year, even this assumption has been shaken hard by the turbulence of the market. This rundown isn't about crowning or dismissing anyone—it's about looking closely at how these actresses are holding up in the storm: what they still have in hand, and what is slipping through their fingers. Yang Zi and Zhao Liying: Invincible Status? If we're talking about who still has an "unbroken golden body" (metaphor for a stable, almost invincible status), from the '85 generation to the post-2000s, it really feels like only Yang Zi (杨紫) and Zhao Liying (赵丽颖) remain. Zhao Liying's The Legend…

There was a time when Bai Jingting (白敬亭), Wu Lei (吴磊), Jackson Yee (易烊千玺), and Liu Haoran (刘昊然) were widely recognized as the "Big Four Crushes" (四大墙头). Even people who weren’t active fans enjoyed openly expressing their affection for them on social media. It was a kind of casual admiration—lightweight, emotionally rewarding, but never disruptive to daily life. Today, these four are no longer waiting around for their "crush fans" to come back. For them, the "crush" label has already become outdated. Instead, a younger generation of actors is stepping up: Zhang Linghe (张凌赫), Song Weilong (宋威龙), Li Yunrui (李昀瑞), and Wang Anyu (王安宇) are now the most frequently mentioned names for the "New Big Four Crushes." With this shift, doubts naturally arise. Who has the authority to decide which stars count as a "crush"? Who is doing the judging, who is bundling them together, and who might be at risk of dropping out at any moment? Whether the "new Big Four" can truly hold onto this lightweight yet demanding title remains uncertain. Who Defines and Judges a "Crush Star"? The word "crush" in this context (墙头, literally wall top) originated in anime fandom. It was first used to describe…

The shoot was about to start. Everyone on set was waiting, but director Yang Yang (杨阳) just couldn't figure out how to stage the scene. "My brain just wouldn't click." She stared at the dense block of text in the script, thoughts all tangled up. In The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传), cultivation usually means meditating, training, and leveling up. But how do you show Han Li's progress in cultivation through visuals? How do you film something as abstract as a "breakthrough"? "I thought so hard my head hurt," she admitted. And this wasn't a one-time problem—it was basically a daily struggle throughout production. And that was just one of many challenges. Whenever Yang Yang felt mentally exhausted, she would put down the script and sit in meditation herself, just like Han Li. If that didn't calm her down, she'd pick up something completely unrelated to filmmaking. "Sometimes I'd play the Xuankong Drum (a kind of handpan instrument)." Stepping away from the shoot oddly helped—ideas would suddenly spark the moment she let go. Yang Yang described her whole preparation and filming process as "working like a migrant laborer, hauling bricks every day." She went with her crew to Xinjiang, shooting at altitudes…

In traditional Zhi Guai (志怪, tales of the supernatural) stories, fox spirits deceive scholars, white snakes give up immortality for human love, and demon hunters and demons are sworn enemies. But when these same elements are reimagined today, they can completely overturn old assumptions. So how fresh is the setup of Moonlit Reunion (子夜归), the latest Tencent Video drama? By day, the male lead is just another disgruntled office worker, demoted after angering his boss. By night, he becomes a sharp-witted demon hunter who even teams up with a cat spirit to solve cases. The female lead, meanwhile, can be a playful tabby leaping across rooftops one moment, and with a change of clothes transforms into a glamorous county princess adored throughout Chang'an. When darkness falls, the bustling capital transforms into a sanctuary for spirits. Yet instead of bloody predator-prey battles, the nocturnal city dazzles with lights and order, forming a poetic contrast to the daytime metropolis. Directed by Lü Haojiji and produced by Ningmeng Pictures, Moonlit Reunion stars Xu Kai and  and premiered exclusively on Tencent Video on August 18. The series presents a bold vision of a "dual Chang'an"—one world in daylight, one in shadow—woven together through mystery,…

Every summer, costume dramas built around female protagonists dominate the screen. This year, Tencent Video's Legend of The Female General (锦月如歌) has stepped into that spotlight. The series is adapted from The Reborn Female General, a hit novel by Qian shan Cha ke. As one of the leading authors in online literature, Qian shan Cha ke is particularly well known for her "rebirth" series, and this novel stands as one of its representative works. From the moment the drama adaptation was announced, the buzz around Legend of The Female General never really stopped. Its broadcast performance has been impressive. Since its premiere on August 6, the show quickly gained momentum. Within just four days, it crossed an internal popularity index of 26,000 on Tencent Video, earning a place in the "Most Watched" club. It also topped national TV ratings across three monitoring platforms—CSM, Huan, and Kuyun—for two consecutive days. As of this writing, it continues to hold the No.1 spot on Maoyan's real-time popularity chart, as well as Douban's television ranking. On social platforms, discussions have spread quickly. Viewers are sharing clips of punchy dialogue from a female perspective, the heroine's revenge moments, and the male lead Cheng Lei's performance—often…

The interview took place on a hot, sticky summer night. Zhou Ye (周也) had just wrapped up an offline promo event for Legend of The Female General (锦月如歌), and her energy carried that faint excitement you can't quite hide even when you try. "The first time I heard about Legend of The Female General was online. I didn't expect they would actually reach out to me later and hand me the script," Zhou Ye said. After reading just the first few episodes, she was struck by the core of He Yan's character. It wasn't the spectacle of big battle scenes or some clever plot device that moved her. What caught her was He Yan's resilience—the toughness that sits deep inside this character. Zhou Ye wanted to bring that to life on screen, whole and unbroken. In our conversation, we started with this new drama. From the first time she flipped open the script to the last time she set aside the heavy armor; from sweating in the training field to the joy, anger, and sorrow she carried both on and off set; and also how she views her work and the road ahead. Zhou Ye's answers came across just like…

Recently, the wuxia drama Duel on Mount Hua (华山论剑), co-produced by Tencent Video and Yaoke Media, directed by Xu Bing, Deng Ke, Cao Dun, and Zang Xichuan, officially wrapped up. The cast lineup (listed by story timeline) includes Zhou Yiwei, Gao Weiguang, Chen Duling, Peter Ho, Hankiz Omar, Ming Dao, Meng Ziyi, and He Yu. Last year's Iron Blood and Loyal Heart (铁血丹心) followed the classic spirit of Jin Yong's original, while Duel on Mount Hua takes a bolder approach. Its four story arcs—Eastern Heretic and Western Venom (东邪西毒), Southern Emperor and Northern Beggar (南帝北丐), The Five (五绝争锋), and Nine Yin True Sutra (九阴真经)—reconstruct the characters in surprising ways. Together, these two dramas create a "Jin Yong Wuxia Universe" that both respects tradition and experiments with form, bringing new energy into the genre. In today's market, producing a wuxia drama already requires a dose of passion and chivalry. We spoke with producer Zhang Yingying, who worked on both Iron Blood and Loyal Heart and Duel on Mount Hua, to unpack how this unique Jin Yong world was shaped for modern viewers and why it resonates. The Wuxia Starting Point, and a Fresh Unit-Story Approach From his first novel The Book…

"We couldn't afford the rights to any novels, and no production company offered us a chance to adapt an existing IP. Creating something original was our only option." This was his situation—and one many young screenwriters face. Before The Wanted Detective (定风波), Zhang Yunxiao's last works were the 2016 TV series An Ju and 2017's The Hypnotist Who Was Hypnotized. Reappearing in front of audiences after years, he had spent most of that time focusing on The Wanted Detective. There were moments he considered giving up—or even leaving the industry entirely to do something else if screenwriting didn't work out. Fortunately, once the script for The Wanted Detective was completed, it gained strong recognition on the platform. Before the premiere, Yu Zheng posted on Weibo: "I've read the script—it's amazing. I even got to see the finished product. Wish I could direct it myself." After airing, audience feedback gave Zhang Yunxiao more space for reflection. While the show's broadcast numbers didn't fully meet the team's initial expectations, they received significant acknowledgment for pursuing original work. What he calls a "no-retreat" effort is also a form of self-rescue for a young screenwriting team. Below is Zhang Yunxiao's account, organized from a…

Nestled in the heart of Jiangnan, Suzhou emerges as a living canvas where ancient design breathes through time. This city unfolds like an open-air museum, celebrated for its UNESCO-listed classical gardens—not as static relics, but as dynamic spaces where nature and philosophy merge. Within their walls, miniature mountains and reflective ponds capture the essence of each season, while beyond, the pulse of daily life echoes through narrow, historic lanes. From the delicate melodies of Kunju (昆剧) opera floating over water to the intimate storytelling of Pingtan (评弹) in cozy teahouses, Suzhou engages all senses. Its culinary traditions, rooted in seasonal harmony, offer a taste of the region’s rhythm. Here, every garden path, cobbled alley, and steamy bowl tells a story—inviting travelers to wander, contemplate, and immerse in a living culture where past and present gracefully intertwine. 1. Suzhou's Living Canvases: Where Design Breathes 1.1 Suzhou's Gardens: Four Seasons, One Step Suzhou unfolds like a living museum, its cityscape woven with 108 classical gardens. No single visit can capture them all, demanding thoughtful selection. These are not static relics but dynamic spaces where the ancients bottled nature's essence: stone mimicking mountains, ponds mirroring lakes, ensuring every season painted new scenes within…

In Chinese culture, the "Four Gentlemen" — plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum — are revered as emblems of moral integrity and spiritual ideals, embodying the virtues of resilience, elegance, perseverance, and purity. Known collectively as the "Four Gentlemen," they have long served as foundational subjects in Chinese literati painting and poetry, reflecting the Confucian and Daoist aspirations toward inner nobility and harmonious coexistence with nature. This artistic tradition, deeply rooted in symbolic expression, transcends mere representation to convey philosophical depth and personal character. Through evolving techniques and stylistic developments across dynasties, the depiction of these plants has become a refined language of the spirit, capturing both the tangible beauty and intangible essence of these enduring natural symbols. 1. The Unbroken Line of Ink Plum Blossoms 1.1 Echoes on Paper The journey of monochrome plum blossom painting began centuries ago. Records trace its emergence to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, flourishing notably in the Northern Song era. Monk Zhongren pioneered this form, abandoning colour entirely. He found inspiration in moonlight casting a plum's shadow onto paper, capturing its essence solely through ink's subtle shades and washes. His vision sparked a tradition. Yang Buzhi (杨补之) followed, refining Zhongren's (仲仁) technique. He…

China, recognized as the birthplace of silk, boasts the earliest invention of sericulture, silk reeling, and weaving in human history. Chinese silk textiles and embroidery, born from exquisite craftsmanship and continuous technical innovation, represent an integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage. For millennia, Chinese embroidery has been distinguished by its long history, sophisticated techniques, stunning variety, and exceptional artistry, maintaining a unique aesthetic appeal and technical supremacy across centuries. Known as “needle embroidery” or “flower embroidery,” this art form employs colored threads of varying thicknesses stitched into fabric to depict figures, flora, fauna, and landscapes, producing distinctive decorative effects. Unconstrained by the limitations of weaving, embroidery allows fluid and vivid compositions. With its capacity to render texture and three-dimensionality, it is sometimes regarded as “superior to painting,” rivaling the expressive power of ink and brush. 1. Zhou Dynasty In 1975, excavations at Rujiazhuang (茹家庄) in Baoji (宝鸡), revealed a silent whisper from the Western Zhou dynasty. Inside two tombs, faint imprints on earth bore witness to humanity's earliest known encounter with embroidery. These traces, analyzed as patterns formed by the locked-stitch method, represent China's foundational needle technique. Two twisted threads meticulously formed large, regular designs, likely swirling thunder-cloud motifs.…

When you see the price tag on a piece of Su embroidery, it's natural to wonder why intricate stitching on fabric commands such value. The answer lies not in the visible threads, but in the invisible realms of time, skill, and profound dedication woven into every square inch. This ancient craft transcends mere decoration; it represents centuries of accumulated wisdom passed down through generations of artists whose hands translate fleeting thoughts into enduring silk. The Alchemy of Thread and Time Silk-splitting defies imagination. Finer than a human hair, premium silk threads are painstakingly divided into 1/16, 1/32, or even 1/64 strands. This delicate process demands absolute focus – a momentary lapse means starting over. Handling such fragile material requires eyesight sharp enough to count dust motes and hands steady as mountain stones. Time becomes tangible in Su embroidery. A single panel can consume months or years. Embroiderers transform into living statues, bent over wooden frames for endless hours. Their world shrinks to the rhythmic dance of needle and thread, repeated thousands of times daily. Backaches, calloused fingers, and strained eyes are silent partners in this creation. This relentless physical endurance forms the foundation of the craft’s cost – a testament…

Have you ever wondered if a delicate pink crystal and vibrant Cloisonne could spark a fashion revolution on your wrist? Imagine the soft allure of Pink Crystal meeting the rich heritage of Cloisonne, creating a blend that's both timeless and trendy. This pairing isn't just jewelry—it's a statement of elegance and innovation. Whether you're a young enthusiast or a lover of classic styles, combining these elements adds a unique flair to any outfit. Forget the ordinary; embrace this dynamic duo to transform your daily accessories into conversation starters. It's all about balancing sweetness with sophistication, making every glance at your wrist a moment of pure delight. Elegant Fusion The charm of Pink Crystal lies in its gentle, translucent hue that radiates innocence and warmth. When worn as a bracelet or necklace, it instantly softens your look, evoking a sense of youthful grace. Many find it irresistible, especially those drawn to subtle, feminine aesthetics. Its simplicity makes it versatile, perfect for everyday wear without overwhelming your style. In contrast, Cloisonne brings a burst of bold colors—deep blues, vivid greens, and festive reds—often accented with fine gold wires. This ancient craft exudes a regal air, reminiscent of historical opulence and cultural richness.…

Every artist faces the same dilemma: what to include and what to exclude. This choice defines a work's power. In Chinese painting, this deliberate selection—known as "qu she" (取舍)—isn't just technique; it's philosophy. It transforms clutter into clarity and noise into meaning. Master painters wield omission like a brushstroke, understanding that absence speaks louder than crowded details. The empty space isn't vacant—it's charged with intention. Let's explore how less becomes profoundly more. Silence Speaks Volumes Liang Kai's (梁楷) The Portrait of the Poet Bai Ge (太白行吟图) strips everything nonessential. No background. No context. Just the poet mid-stride, sleeves flowing. This radical minimalism forces viewers to confront Li Bai's essence—his defiant spirit and untethered imagination . Adding mountains or taverns would dilute the focus. The void becomes the very air he breathes, the boundless space where his verses take flight. Here, omission isn't loss; it's amplification. Similarly, Qi Baishi’s (齐白石) Shan Ju Cui Zhu Tu (山居翠竹图) presents a puzzle: a house titled "Mountain Dwelling" with no dwellers in sight. Instead, two chickens scratch near a bamboo grove . Removing people wasn't negligence—it was genius. Their absence invites us into the scene. We hear imagined rustles, feel the stillness. Had figures appeared,…

Summer is for costume dramas. They’re a crowd-pleaser, offering something for everyone. The genre is a sprawling universe of its own, constantly delivering fresh hits. From the political intrigue of Joy of Life (庆余年) to the refined elegance of Dream of Splendor (梦华录)—this shows masterfully weave together romance, Xianxia, suspense, and palace scheming. This year is no exception. We’ve already seen breakout hits like A Dream of Majesty (书卷一梦) and The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传). And just as the latter continues its successful run, a new 36-episode contender has suddenly arrived: Legend of The Female General (锦月如歌). With a compelling plot and a cast that’s perfectly aligned with current tastes, this show is poised to be a serious competitor. The Vengeance Plot Legend of The Female General is adapted from the hugely popular novel Rebirth of the Female General Star (重生之女将星) by Qian Shan Chake (千山茶客). It tells the story of He Yan (played by Zhou Ye), the eldest daughter of the He family. To preserve her family's status, she spent years impersonating her brother, He Rufei. But upon returning home, she was betrayed and nearly killed. Surviving the attempt on her life, He Yan disguises herself as a man to enlist…

In the hushed, high-stakes auction rooms of Hong Kong and Beijing, a specific type of artifact consistently commands breathless attention and record-shattering bids. The names are poetic—a "Gourd Vase with 'Longevity' Design," a "Revolving Vase with Dragons," and a "Phoenix and Hundred Birds Vase." The prices are astronomical, soaring past hundreds of millions. The common thread weaving through these sales isn't just the Qianlong era; it's a specific, dazzling technical achievement: Yangcai (洋彩), or "foreign colors." This isn't just porcelain. It's a story of imperial ambition, a virtuoso craftsman, and a unique moment of East-West fusion, frozen in glaze and fired to perfection. So, what is the secret code that makes Qianlong (乾隆) Yangcai the undisputed emperor of the auction world? The Master & The Monarch: A Partnership For The Ages The story of Yangcai is inextricably linked to two men: the Qianlong Emperor, one of China's most powerful and artistically ambitious rulers, and Tang Ying (唐英), his genius Superintendent of Pottery. Tang Ying wasn't just a bureaucrat; he was a visionary artist and technologist. Stationed at the imperial kilns in Jingdezhen (景德镇), he personally oversaw the creation of the emperor's wares. Under constant pressure to innovate and impress, Tang…

When a beautifully preserved embroidery piece appears on cultural programming, it does more than showcase visual splendor—it opens a window into one of China's most enduring art forms. While modern viewers marvel at the technical mastery, the true story of Chinese embroidery reveals a history far more complex and fascinating than most realize, characterized by unexpected turns, technical revolutions, and constant evolution. A Non-Linear Path of Development The common assumption that embroidery developed in a straight line from simple to complex misses the remarkable twists in its historical journey. The earliest beginnings trace back to prehistoric times when bone needles joined animal hides—functional stitching that would eventually evolve into decorative expression. By the Shang and Zhou dynasties, embroidery had emerged as a recognized craft, although it was still in its developmental stages. The real breakthrough came during the Warring States period with the invention of chain stitch, a technique that created flowing, interconnected lines that brought dramatic new life to textile designs. The magnificent embroideries discovered at the Mashan No. 1 Chu Tomb in Hubei, featuring paired phoenixes and dragons, demonstrate how this period established embroidery as a medium for sophisticated artistic expression. The Tang Dynasty witnessed another leap forward…