The Crucible of Commitment: Yee's Physical Metamorphosis Jackson Yee doesn't just play roles; he inhabits them through a process bordering on self-erasure. The raw physicality demanded by his characters isn't simulated; it's etched into his being, one bruise, one calorie deficit, one meticulously observed gesture at a time. Remember the reckless intensity of Xiao Bei (小北) in Better Days (少年的你)? That wasn't mere stunt double bravado. It was forged in predawn hours on set, Yee and the fight choreographer drilling takedowns until muscle memory overrode instinct. A single jump from a second-story window wasn't deemed authentic until the seventeenth take, the eighth leaving his knee a canvas of purple - a testament to his relentless pursuit of visceral truth. This dedication transcends genres. For Nice View (奇迹·笨小孩), the unassuming phone repair genius Jing Hao (景浩) required not just technical jargon, but the ingrained muscle precision of a Shenzhen back-alley technician. Yee vanished into the labyrinth of Huaqiangbei (华强北), not as a celebrity observer, but as a shadow, meticulously documenting the angle of a tweezers in calloused fingers, the barely perceptible pause in breath during a micro-solder. It’s this microscopic attention that transforms screen time into believability. The transformation reached its…

As June unfolds, the small screen is gearing up for a vibrant lineup of new dramas. On June 18, 2025, four fresh series officially announced their release dates - one ancient fantasy epic and three modern-themed shows, each boasting unique genres, star-studded casts, and plotlines designed to captivate diverse audiences. Let’s dive into what these titles have in store. 1. Cloud Heaven’s Summit (云天之上) Blends Myth and Rebellion Leading the charge is Cloud Heaven’s Summit, a much-talked-about ancient xianxia (immortal hero) fantasy drama that premiered on Tencent Video starting June 20. Directed by Cui Xiaoxiao (崔肖肖) and written by Chen Yongyi (陈泳夷), the series stars Xu Zhenzhen (徐轸轸) as the dual-identity protagonist Lu Anning/Yan Anning (路安凝／燕安宁) - a goddess bound by celestial fate - and Zhang Jingyun (张景昀 ) as the fearsome Demon Lord Ye Sha/Ling Cang (夜煞/凌沧). The narrative revolves around their fiery rivalry turning into an unlikely alliance. Forced into a cycle of conflict by predestined fates, the pair gradually awaken to their own agency, choosing to defy the heavens rather than submit. With soaring visuals, intricate world-building, and a central theme of resisting destiny, Cloud Heaven’s Summit aims to rekindle fans’ love for xianxia tropes while adding a…

Finally, Tang - style hairstyles are no longer confined to the all - too - familiar big - head look! When we now mention the restoration of Tang - style, we often associate it with the elaborate big - head look and intricate head ornaments. In fact, this exaggerated style was not the only one in the Tang Dynasty. Many daily - life hairstyles are more amiable. For example, in the TV drama Wu You Du (无忧渡), Song Zuer's hairstyles throughout are more minimalist. Let's first note that the Tang Dynasty was a highly inclusive era. It not only had the characteristics of the Central Plains but also incorporated those of the Western Regions. There was the capable and tall style in the early Tang and Wu Zhou periods, the elegant and luxurious style in the prosperous Tang, and the elaborate and high - profile style in the middle and late periods. And according to different scenarios, there were grand makeup and hairstyles for formal occasions, and simple and capable ones for daily life. Although each era has its own characteristics, most daily - life hairstyles in the Tang Dynasty were mainly simple buns. Now, we can see various Tang…

Recently, Chen Duling specially shot a set of costumes in the style of 1980s ancient - costume dramas, which left netizens hardly recognizing her. Some even wonder: Is there really such a significant aesthetic difference between classical makeup and modern makeup? Let's start with the conclusion. The biggest difference between them lies in the 'charm'. Most of the so - called classical makeup adheres to the traditional aesthetic standards for eyebrow and lip shapes, presenting a classical charm. In contrast, modern makeup is mostly the result of integration under the influence of various trends, like the once - popular Korean and European - American styles, with a style leaning towards modern simplicity and fashion. This charm, though abstract, can be expressed in forms. For example, the makeup and styling of the 1987 version of A Dream of Red Mansions are often regarded as a classic because its style shows a harmonious beauty. Here, harmony means that the proportion of a person's eyebrows and eyes complements the makeup, without being obtrusive, and the colors are warm - toned. So, the reason why classical makeup is enduringly attractive is the grasp of this sense of harmony. The most challenging part of classical…

Today is a special sharing session about cheongsam pankou buttons. In the process of making a cheongsam, these buttons are not only the finishing touch but also the starting point, just like the opening of a perfect work. A surprising or unexpected start can always spark more attention and appreciation later. Meanwhile, these buttons, which are linked to the essence of traditional Chinese culture, are an important way for us to rediscover Chinese characteristics. They are small, delicate, and a vivid symbol of the ancient people's aesthetics. In ancient times, our ancestors needed to use ropes or belts to tie knots or fasten buttons to fix the front of their clothes and keep warm during work. This kind of knot can be regarded as the earliest origin of the frog buttons. Later, with the development of dynasties, the knots also changed accordingly. For example, the "ribbon" in the Zhou Dynasty, the "silk ribbon" in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the "silk knot ribbon" in the prosperous Tang Dynasty, and the "jade ring ribbon" in the Song Dynasty. These are all the step - by - step changes of the knot ribbons evolving into frog buttons. In the Ming and Qing…

Song Brocade. As one of China's traditional silk handicrafts, Song Brocade traces its origins to the Spring and Autumn period, took shape during the Song Dynasty, and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Alongside Nanjing Yun Brocade, Sichuan Shu Brocade, and Guangxi Zhuang Brocade, it is revered as one of China's Four Great Brocades. Historical records from the 'Song Shi Yu Fu Zhi' note that after the Southern Song court relocated south, the urgent demand for high - quality brocade for calligraphy, painting mounting, and clothing production made Suzhou the primary production hub. Hence, later generations invariably associate brocade with Song. The documentary 'The Splendid Tale' highlights how Suzhou's unique geographical advantages and abundant resources provided superior raw materials, earning Song Brocade the moniker 'Suzhou Song Brocade.' The local folk song 'Wu Ge' captures the regional essence: 'In April, the warmth spreads, and households bustle with silkworm rearing.' The 'Silk Weaving Illustrated' by Southern Song painter Lou Shu offers a glimpse into the entire production process from'silkworm bathing' to'silk weaving.' After its zenith during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, Song Brocade perfected its technique, featuring warp - faced twill as the base and weft - faced twill for…

Meng Ziyi (孟子义) has rapidly ascended as a standout actress in Chinese historical dramas, blending stunning visuals with nuanced portrayals of resilient women. Whether playing a vengeful rebirth heroine or a diplomatic princess, she injects intelligence and emotional depth into every role. Here's a curated guide to her finest costume dramas—including the highly anticipated 2025 release. Blossom 九重紫 Aired: 2024 Period Background: Ming Dynasty-inspired fictional era Genres: Rebirth drama, Family revenge, Political strategy Main Roles: Meng Ziyi (Dou Zhao), Li Yunrui (Song Mo) Adapted From: Novel by Zhi Zhi Dou Zhao dies betrayed by her husband, only to awaken in her youth with memories intact. Partnering with General Song Mo, who also retains past memories, she races to prevent her mother's poisoning and reclaim stolen family assets. Despite their efforts, fate intervenes—her mother still dies, propelling Dou Zhao into a broader battle against systemic corruption. She navigates patriarchal constraints, outmaneuvers scheming relatives, and builds economic independence through shrewd entrepreneurship. Her alliance with Song Mo evolves from tactical cooperation to a deep bond as they expose political conspiracies threatening the nation. Narrative Precision & Emotional Resonance The story avoids clichéd "revenge fantasy" tropes. Dou Zhao's struggle emphasizes practical agency—using business acumen…

As a popular choice for screen adaptations, the novels of Ma Boyong always garner widespread attention when brought to the screen. The recently aired The Litchi Road is yet another work of Ma Boyong, following the success of The Longest Day in Chang'an, LUOYANG and Under the Microscope, that has been adapted into a TV series. The Litchi Road is produced by China Central Television, China TV Drama Production Center, Penguin Pictures, and Liubai Film & Television. Directed by Cao Dun and Gao Xiang, with Ma Boyong as a story consultant, the series stars Lei Jiayin and Yue Yunpeng. It is a witty drama that blends ancient and modern sensibilities. The story takes place during the Tang Dynasty and follows Li Shande, an inconspicuous low-ranking official in Chang'an, who is framed and reluctantly tasked with the nearly impossible job of transporting fresh lychees from Lingnan to Chang'an. With a tight deadline and limited resources, Li embarks on a journey that spans over a thousand miles to complete the mission. Known for using high-density information to drive the narrative forward, Ma Boyong is also adept at focusing on the fates of small characters. The Litchi Road continues this tradition, earning it…

"Come over next Saturday night," Chef Yang Boying said. "I'll make an old school dish—cordyceps duck. You won't find it in restaurants these days." I arrived right on time. Yang lifted the lid off a steaming pot, releasing the scent of something rich and ancient. Inside was a rustic farm duck, slow-steamed for four hours in a dark, nourishing broth. Sprouting from the skin were black threads that looked like rat tails—twenty pieces of cordyceps, carefully skewered into the flesh. The sight was strange, even a little eerie, but the aroma was unforgettable. Medicine and Food Share the Same Root Cordyceps duck (虫草鸭子), a medicinal classic from 19th-century Sichuan, embodies the Chinese belief that food and medicine share the same root. Once served at Chengdu's Tong Ren Tang—a pharmacy that also sold nourishing dishes—it was never just a meal. Cordyceps, a rare fungus that grows from caterpillars, is prized in traditional Chinese medicine for enhancing energy and immunity. The method used to cook this duck—piercing it and inserting the fungus by hand—was both precise and poetic. Today, few make it this way. The cordyceps are usually tossed into the pot with the duck, no fancy presentation. But Yang prefers the…

The distinction between modern and period idol dramas is particularly stark lately—modern ones depict characters "falling deep in love", while period ones are heavily featuring the "Sea of Hatred, Sky of Love" trope. Take the modern idol drama Be Passionately in Love (陷入我们的热恋), which focuses squarely on passionate romance. It follows a pure love line both on and off-screen—kissing scenes require camera angles! In contrast, the period idol drama Feud (临江仙) features two immortal leads who have already married twice, had a child, and are now going through divorce. Their story follows the path of love turning to intense hatred, a dynamic of mutual affection and mutual destruction. Feud isn't the only recent period idol drama embracing this "Sea of Hatred, Sky of Love" setup. In The Prisoner Of Beautyl (折腰), the male and female leads are heirs to feuding families who form a grudging union. The warlord Wei Shao bends for love, setting aside his hatred. While The Legend of Zang hai (藏海传) might not be a standard period idol drama, its romance subplot is textbook "Sea of Hatred, Sky of Love". Remarkably, the cluelessly cishet director even managed to infuse the dynamic between Zang Hai and Marquis Pingjin…

The Chinese anime Renegade Immortal (仙逆) recently released its theatrical film Battle of Divine Descent. Adapted from Er Gen's xianxia web novel, Renegade Immortal follows Wang Lin, an ordinary boy who defies fate to cultivate immortality. Its 2023 anime adaptation received consistent acclaim, transitioning from seasonal to year-round release status. As the franchise's first theatrical film, Battle of Divine Descent was highly anticipated. While its pacing received mixed reviews compared to the series, it delivered abundant romantic moments for the main couple, proving highly appealing to shippers and maintaining strong popularity. Renegade Immortal's success stems from its mastery of blending male-oriented and female-oriented narrative appeals: Protagonist Wang Lin operates with ruthless decisiveness, delivering high-octane satisfaction for action fans. His character design is exceptionally handsome, and he exhibits unwavering devotion to the female lead Li Muwan. He represents a rare "exemplary fidelity" archetype within male-oriented narratives, whose romantic depth rivals dedicated love interests in female-oriented stories. The "Lin-Wan" couple pairing has attracted a massive fandom, including significant female viewership. News of an upcoming live-action adaptation has sparked heated discussion. While such adaptations cannot replicate the anime's approach, Renegade Immortal offers valuable insights for male-oriented IPs seeking broader audience appeal. The Anime's…

Since its premiere, The Litchi Road (长安的荔枝) has experienced a somewhat slow start. So far, the show's share on Yunhe platform has stabilized around 10%, which suggests that the effective per-episode view count hasn't broken the 10 million mark. Meanwhile, social media discussions show the series lacks breakout topics and overall buzz remains limited. Even on television, where historical dramas typically hold an advantage, The Litchi Road failed to ignite major interest. According to Kuyun statistics, after airing on CCTV-8, the daily ratings dropped from 1.4885 at debut to 1.2093 by June 10th. This raises another question: can historical dramas still activate the market today? Historical dramas—including both serious and legendary genres—have been frequently discussed in the industry over the past two years. Last spring's industry conference featured multiple remarks suggesting "historical dramas may make a comeback as a new market hotspot." A series of projects are also underway, positioning this genre as a key effort to solve current content challenges and boost the market. The reason lies in the past super high popularity of historical dramas on TV, which made people see the potential for activating diverse audiences. But judging by recent project performances, this assumption deserves a question…

Every year, during the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节), you'll see families across China hanging bundles of mugwort (艾草) on their doors, wearing fragrant sachets close to their bodies, and tying colorful threads on children's wrists. In places like Henan and Zhejiang, pots are filled with garlic and eggs. These time-honored traditions, passed down for thousands of years, form a complete "protective system" against evil spirits. But the Dragon Boat Festival isn't just a day to remember the poet Qu Yuan. Its long-standing folk practices signify a celebration of life, a prayer for the living, and a struggle against the uncertainty of life. Traditional Food Rituals as Protection During Festivals A saying goes, "If you don't wear mugwort on Dragon Boat Festival, you'll turn into a ghost after death." Mugwort and calamus, often placed at the thresholds of homes, act like plant-based charms, creating a symbolic barrier to safeguard both family and body. Food, which enters the body directly, forms an even closer connection with people and is given the special power to ward off evil spirits. For example, the red beans, salted egg yolks, and salted meats wrapped inside zongzi (粽子, traditional sticky rice dumplings) are considered "yang objects" (阳物),…

If you're still haunted by the twists and emotional gut-punches of The Legend of Zang Hai (藏海传), you're not alone. Whether it's the tangled web of loyalty between Zang Hai and his mentor Zhao Bingwen, or the eerie suspense surrounding the elusive "third man," social media remains ablaze with fan theories and character dissections. And here's the kicker—unlike your typical revenge fantasy where the protagonist rises through sheer plot armor, The Legend of Zang Hai gives us a tragic, deeply psychological hero. Zang Hai's arc has become a spiritual sinkhole fans can't stop falling into. Viewers don't just watch him—they breathe with him. What made this slow-burn success possible? According to the show's general director Zheng Xiaolong, much of the credit goes to a fresh face behind the camera: young director Cao Yiwen, whose approach breathed new life into the genre. His unique directorial style has fostered a whole ecosystem of fan-made scripts and alternative readings—what Chinese netizens call "wild screenwriters" (meaning audiences passionately creating their own interpretations and continuations of the plot). Tracing Cao's Creative Footprint Rewind to 2020, and you'll find Cao's name on another unconventional title: To Love (最初的相遇,最后的别离). It wasn't just another noir-tinged romance—it brought a…

The Prisoner of Beauty (折腰), which had been quietly in the works for two years, exploded onto Tencent Video with remarkable speed. Its overnight success wasn't just a lucky break. What exactly makes it stand out in a fiercely competitive market full of period dramas? Starring Song Zuer and Liu Yuning, The Prisoner of Beauty is adapted from a beloved novel by Peng Laike, a top-tier author on Jinjiang Literature City, one of China's largest online fiction platforms. Adapting such a well-known IP (intellectual property) is always a high-stakes gamble, especially when it comes to Chinese historical romances with huge fanbases. On one hand, you have to honor the emotional core of the original. On the other, you must reshape it to fit the structure and logic of screen storytelling. How do you stay true to the source material without alienating fans—or turning off new viewers unfamiliar with it? It's a delicate balancing act. In fact, many major IP dramas have flopped due to what fans call mogai (魔改)—"demonic revisions" that deviate too far from the original plot or tone. So how did The Prisoner of Beauty manage to pull off a successful adaptation? Turning Conflict into Narrative Power-Ups According…

Angela Yang Ying (杨颖), better known by her stage name Angelababy. She has carved a unique niche in Chinese historical dramas, blending ethereal beauty with roles that challenge traditional gender archetypes. From cunning strategists to cross-dressing merchants, her performances thrive on duality—soft yet fierce, vulnerable yet unyielding. While her acting has faced scrutiny, her on-screen charisma and evolution in period pieces remain undeniable. This article spotlights four of her most iconic historical dramas, dissecting how she transforms into characters that defy expectations. General and I 孤芳不自赏 Aired: 2017 Period Background: Fictional Warring States era Genres: Historical romance, political intrigue, wartime strategy Main Roles: Yang Ying as Bai Pingting, Wallace Chung as Chu Beijie Adapted From: General and I by Feng Nong Set against the backdrop of warring states vying for supremacy, Female Zhuge Liang centers on Bai Pingting, a prodigious tactician whose strategic genius earns her comparisons to the legendary Zhuge Liang, the architect of the Three Kingdoms' balance of power. Her brilliance becomes both her weapon and her curse when she crosses paths with Chu Beijie, a rival general whose military acumen matches her own. Their initial encounters are marked by psychological warfare: Bai devises traps to destabilize his…

Yu Zheng may not have the best reputation, but his aesthetic sense is truly remarkable. The currently airing drama, The Song of River Reeds (临江仙), is a visual feast. Just the looks of the male and female leads are enough to make people enjoy the sweetness of this "divorced" couple. The supporting characters are even more stunning. Zhao Zhaoyi is sweet and elegant. When she makes an appearance, she exudes the charm of an ancient beauty. Even without a white dress to highlight her etherealness, her whole demeanor is lively, making her a perfect fit for a xianxia drama. Zhou Jieqiong, in a purple dress, has a pure face and a somewhat stubborn look in her eyes. She is a beauty who is both clear - cut and impactful. He Ruixian, whom Yu Zheng has tried to promote several times, has big, gentle and bright eyes. Even with a simple hairstyle, she has a transcendent beauty. Yu Zheng selects supporting characters with such high - level looks, even for those marginalized characters with only a dozen - minute appearance. Their appearances stun everyone, and this is the kind of beauty a leading actress in a costume drama should have. Huang Riying's…

The current domestic ancient costume drama market leaves much to be desired. Although both 'A Lifelong Journey' and 'Ballad of the Recluse' have their own highlights, the former's ratings are on a downward trend, and the latter has polarized reviews, failing to reach the standard of a hit drama. There are several anticipated works in the upcoming drama list. For example, 'Fragrant Orchids Forever' starring Tan Songyun is a female - themed drama that audiences love. It unfolds a 'double's escape' from a female - lead perspective, and the protagonist breaks class barriers single - handedly. It is expected to achieve good results after its premiere. Another one is 'The Pillow of Mountains and Rivers' starring Ding Yuxi and Song Qian, which tells an exciting story of the male protagonist defending the country and avenging his blood feud centered around battlefield battles and court intrigue. The pseudo - 'uncle - niece - in - law' relationship between the male and female leads adds a strong sense of taboos. However, there has been no good news about these two dramas. Instead, 'Dream of Qingchuan' premiered on Bilibili and topped the popularity chart in just 4 hours. Meanwhile, fresh reviews on Douban…

In the summer of 2025, China’s screens are awash with the lush landscapes of The Lychees from Chang'an (长安的荔枝). In this historical drama, Tang Dynasty clerk Li Shande (李善德) races against time to deliver fresh lychees from Lingnan (岭南，modern Guangdong) to the emperor in Chang’an (长安， today’s Xi’an). Beyond its cinematic appeal, this series has unleashed an unprecedented cultural and economic wave-dubbed the “lychee fever”-reshaping industries from agriculture to tourism. The Consumer Frenzy: When Drama Fuels Demand Lychee sales have exploded since the show’s debut. Data from JD.com reveals a staggering 560% year-on-year surge in Guangdong (广东) lychee purchases, while searches for ”Guangdong lychee” on Meituan spiked 143% in early June. Supermarkets now feature dedicated lychee displays, and premium varieties, such as Feizixiao (the “Imperial Concubine’s Smile,” named after the royal favorite of the show), sell out daily. The show’s marketing genius lies in its immersive cross-promotion. Actors like Lei Jiayin (雷佳音) post videos urging fans to “eat lychees while watching Lychee,” while social media campaigns like #EatWithRoyalLychee trend nationwide. Brands have jumped in too: limited-edition lychee gift boxes, packaged with Tang Dynasty aesthetics, fly off the shelves, blending historical fantasy with modern snacking rituals. Even celebrities amplify the hype. Shu Qi’s (舒淇) viral selfies of munching lychees while binge-watching epitomize the cultural moment. As one…

The year 2025 has unleashed a treasure trove of Chinese costume dramas that transcend borders, blending intricate storytelling, stunning visuals, and themes resonating with modern audiences. From the sweat-drenched desperation of a Tang Dynasty civil servant to the mind-bending terror of ancient artifacts, these series offer more than escapism—they deliver cultural depth, heart-pounding suspense, and romance that lingers. If you’re craving narratives where history collides with high stakes and emotional payoff, these five titles are your must-watch list. Trust me, your next obsession is waiting. 1. The Litchi Road Move over, fantasy cliches. 2025’s standout dramas are rewriting the rules, grounding even the most outlandish concepts in human struggle and historical grit. Take The Litchi Road (长安的荔枝). Based on Ma Boyong’s (马伯庸) ingenious novel, it follows low-level official Li Shande (played by the effortlessly relatable Lei Jiayin) who’s handed a bureaucratic death sentence: deliver fresh lychees from tropical Lingnan (岭南) to the emperor in Chang’an-1,500 miles in three days before the fruit spoils. It’s a logistical nightmare wrapped in Tang Dynasty politics, earning its nickname as “ancient survival horror” for its depiction of workplace betrayal, impossible deadlines, and ingenious pre-industrial “cold-chain tech” involving brine and nested jars. Lei’s everyman desperation is perfectly offset by Yue Yunpeng (岳云鹏) as his wisecracking brother-in-law, Zheng…