"Joy of Life Season 2" has proven two things since its premiere: first, it can inherit many of the essence of the first season; second, it can elevate itself. The former ensures its initial high popularity, while the latter ensures its sustained popularity. The multiple reversals in crucial scenes, Fan Xian's shift from defense to offense, and the thought-provoking social commentary all contribute to the unique experience of this drama, which is both thrilling and profound.   Accumulating Momentum and Concentrated Reversals One particularly satisfying upgrade in "Joy of Life Season 2" is the arrangement of crucial scenes, which not only emphasizes the layers of setup before these scenes but also focuses on the multiple reversals within them, captivating the audience with each turn of events. Typically, film and television productions avoid lingering in a single scene for too long to prevent viewer fatigue. When forced to remain in a single scene, various flashy camera techniques or martial arts scenes are often employed to add variety. "Joy of Life Season 2" is one of the few productions that can keep the audience engaged in a single scene without the need for elaborate camera techniques or martial arts scenes. This is…

In the scorching heat of summer, ancient Chinese people didn't have sunscreen, but they took sun protection seriously. Though the concept of physical sunscreen is a recent development, the approach to sun protection was quite similar: "shade" was key. Follow BAZAAR CHINOISERIE to learn how ancient people protected themselves from the sun. To shield themselves from the sun while staying mobile, a sun hat is the perfect summer accessory. Surprisingly, "sun hats" aren't a modern invention; they're mentioned directly in ancient texts. For instance, during the Ming Dynasty, the "Xu Tong Dian" listed various hats, mentioning: "Sun hats were permitted for scholars entering the imperial examinations during the early Ming Dynasty. (遮阳帽，明初士人贡举入监者许戴之。)" Similarly, the "Jian Hu Ji" describes the "sun hat" as follows: "According to Ming regulations, scholars could wear large sun hats after completing their studies at the imperial college, similar to the ancient bamboo hats or the Tang dynasty silk hats. (明制。士子入胄监满日。许戴遮阳大帽。即古笠。又唐时所谓席帽也。)" In addition, there were also Weimao (帷帽) popular during the Tang and Song dynasties. These hats had thin gauze attached under wide brims, offering advanced sun protection while also shielding against some wind and dust. Curtain hats, also known as Zhaojun hats, are said to be…

The long-awaited "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" has finally premiered. Before its release, the number of reservations on the platform has surpassed 7.94 million, breaking the historical record for reservations on iQIYI, igniting tremendous excitement. Adapted from the manga "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" by Xiao Xin Tuo. In a world of constant conflict between humans and spirits, the righteous head of the Tu Mountain Fox Clan, Tu Shan Hong Hong (played by Yang Mi), hopes for peace between both sides. To achieve this, she joins forces with Dongfang Yue Chu (played by Gong Jun), an orphan from the Dongfang family, to embark on a mission to foster love between humans and spirits. Their goal is to resist the dark forces threatening the Tu Mountain and to dissolve the sinister powers fueling the discord between humans and spirits. The stellar cast includes Yang Mi and Gong Jun as the lead actors, with special appearances by Guo Xiaoting, Wei Zheming, Hu Lianxin, and Wen Zhengrong. The three romantic storylines feature the heartfelt performances of Zhu Xudan and Yang Shize, Chen Yao and Mao Zijun, and Chen Duling and Zhang Linghe. With their outstanding looks, acting skills, and popularity, this lineup has stirred up…

The phenomenon-level hit drama "Joy of Life" welcomed its second season, garnering immense attention. Upon its release, the drama immediately dominated the hot search lists and broke historical records on Tencent Video, earning the title of "Drama King" officially certified by Tencent itself. Currently, "Joy of Life Season 2" has set a new record for the highest heat value in Tencent Video's history, claiming the top spot in viewership ratings during its time slot, truly deserving the title of a "hit drama." Since the airing of "Joy of Life 1," it has been five years, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger: Fan Xian (played by Zhang Ruoyun) was sent on a mission to the Northern Qi, one of his tasks being to retrieve Yan Bingyun. However, during the negotiations, he was betrayed by Yan Bingyun and collapsed after being stabbed, coughing up blood. As the protagonist of the series, we all know Fan Xian won't easily die, but how he dies and how he survives are intriguing questions. The beginning of "Joy of Life Season 2" briefly callbacks to the past, quickly refreshing the memories of the audience. Afterwards, Yan Bingyun personally sets fire to the corpse in front of the…

On the afternoon of May 22nd, "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" held an advance screening in Beijing. Five specially invited experts, along with media representatives and 300 audience members, gathered to watch the exciting first two episodes of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" on the big screen. They engaged in in-depth discussions with the executive producer of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and senior vice president of iQIYI, Dai Ying, as well as directors Mai Guanzhi and Du Lin. The five experts were Wang Yichuan, Vice Chairman of the China Literary Critics Association; Kang Wei, Editor-in-Chief of China Art News; screenwriter Song Fangjin; renowned director Lin Nan, known for his expertise in fantasy genres; and Li Yinghui, an expert in filigree inlay and lecturer at Zhejiang International Studies University. Li Yinghui was also involved in the prop production for the series and shared the rich history of filigree inlay craftsmanship with the audience, highlighting its clever application in the show. The experts provided immediate feedback and shared their impressions and evaluations of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact."   Wang Yichuan: Embodies the chivalrous spirit of traditional Chinese culture I've had limited exposure to fantasy dramas in the past, so I…

After countless calls and anticipation, Fan Xian has returned. On the evening of May 16th, after a 5-year hiatus, "Joy of Life 2" premiered online, skyrocketing in viewership and popularity. With a peak viewership rating surpassing 2.2 and a market share of 10%, it secured the top spot in viewership during the same time slot. On Tencent Video, its internal heat index reached 32,906, making it the first series in history to enter Tencent Video's hit club on its premiere day. On the second day of its release, the heat index surged to 33,636, breaking the platform's historical record held by "A Dream of Splendor" for two years (33,520). The actual views exceeded 29 million, setting a new high for the first-day views of new dramas in 2024. Topics related to "Joy of Life 2" dominated various social media platforms, with 16 trending searches within two hours of its premiere, almost monopolizing the charts. These impressive figures have solidified "Joy of Life 2" as the "King of Dramas". From a male-oriented work adaptation into a commercialized benchmark five years ago, to leading the entire online drama landscape with a bang upon its return, "Joy of Life" not only ignited another…

Clothing, food, shelter and transportation, the word clothing is the first. Throughout history, the Chinese have consistently showcased their pursuit of clothing. From the exquisite attire donned by emperors in ancient palaces to the fashionable ensembles spotted in bustling city streets, people appear to consistently have a wealth of commentary regarding fashion trends. Today, a documentary that was specifically created to delve into the rich Chinese clothing culture would be recommended - "Wearing China on the Body". It tells the story of Chinese etiquette, clothing expression, folk art inheritance, and human relationships through vivid clothing, and skillfully reflects the changes in people's aesthetic preferences in the era. The Chinese documentary "Wearing China on the Body" is composed of six episodes, including Sang Ma, Bu Yi, Ni Shang, Jin Xiu, Zi Jin, and Jiang Xin. This documentary interprets Chinese culture through the perspective of clothing, arousing the audience's profound longing for clothing aesthetics from various perspectives such as fashion, elegance, intricacy, culture, humanity, and emotion. Enable them to comprehend the China within which we reside from the dreamlike clothing realm.   Episode 1: Sang Ma This episode will trace the origin of magnificent Chinese costumes, choose the life course of different…

This year, the film industry has witnessed a perplexing move with the movie "Nothing Can't Be Undone by a Hotpot" being pulled from theaters and switched to streaming online. Just five days after its release, the film was withdrawn from cinemas, citing "various environmental factors" leading to low scheduling rates, with plans to re-release it at a later date. However, just six days after its withdrawal, this movie, originally intended for theatrical release, suddenly appeared online where it became accessible to subscribers without even a separate fee, leaving those who had paid for tickets feeling betrayed. This shift has significantly impacted Yang Mi, the lead actress, beyond just the director. This year has been pivotal for her, with not only "Nothing Can't Be Undone by a Hotpot" but also the spy drama "In the Name of the Brother," marking a substantial shift in her career towards both film and television. These roles signal a clear intention to transform, aligning with the broader trend among her peers from the post-85 actors, striving to redefine their artistic directions.   Post-85 Full-scale Transformation in Film and Drama With "In the Name of the Brother" setting the stage and "Nothing Can't Be Undone by…

Before "In Blossom" and after "Blossoms in Adversity," Youku released these two ancient-style dramas that achieved commendable success. However, before its premiere, "Blossoms in Adversity" was not favored by the market or the audience, lacking strong concepts and popular actors, and was considered just another assembly-line historical drama. Surprisingly, as the plot unfolded, "Blossoms in Adversity" managed to turn the tide against the odds. From initial widespread ridicule at its launch to its successful finale, "Blossoms in Adversity" can truly be considered an unexpected delight in this year’s market for ancient-style dramas. Recently, Pengxiaoxian spoke with Zhu Ruibin, the director of "Blossoms in Adversity," who shared the secret formula behind the drama's successful turnaround and his evolving creative philosophy over more than thirty years in the industry.   Targeting Cdrama Market Demands Produced by Youku and directed by Zhu Ruibin, with scriptwriting by He Fang, and starring Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi, with a special guest appearance by Myolie Wu, "Blossoms in Adversity" is a historical romance drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Kong Liu. The series narrates the story of Gu Yanxi (played by Hu Yitian), and the fallen noblewoman Hua Zhi (played by Zhang…

The audience for male-oriented dramas tends to believe in seeing is believing. They won't easily recommend a show or become fans of it just because it's based on a popular work or stars a well-known actor unless they've seen it with their own eyes. Recently, a lot of people have been enthusiastically recommending "Heroes" on social media, which premiered on Tencent Video and iQIYI on May 8th. The series, created by Bai Yicong with directors Lou Jian (known for "The Imperial Coroner" with a rating of 8.0 on Douban) and Wei Lizhou (director of "Ultimate Notes" with a rating of 8.2 on Douban), focuses on a martial arts theme set in a tumultuous era. It features mysterious cases, legendary heroes, treasure hunting in chaotic times, and a strong sense of patriotism. Although it hasn't been rated on Douban yet, the word-of-mouth has been rapidly and positively spreading. Just four episodes in, Tencent Video's binge-watching audience rated it an impressive 9.2. Discussions about the details of the drama are always heated, whether on social media platforms or in the comment sections of the two major streaming services. For instance, the real identity of Lin Anjing (played by Chen Siche) was guessed…

In 2023, China Central Television released a remarkable documentary about Su Shi titled "Ding Feng Bo (定风波)". Covering themes like poetry, art, cuisine, travel, and society, the series revisits the tumultuous life of Su Shi, also known as Su Dongpo, highlighting how his attitude toward life continues to inspire us today. Su Shi is portrayed by Nie Yuan, who, at 45, skillfully captures Su Shi's life from his 20s to his old age. Whether it's his youthful ambition as he begins his official career, his diligence in serving the people, his despair during the "Crow Terrace Poetry Case," or his optimism after being exiled, Nie brings each phase of Su Shi's life to vivid life, making this arguably the best on-screen portrayal of Su Shi to date. The five episodes of "Ding Feng Bo" are titled "Chu Chuan Ji," "Hu Shan Ji," "Mo Jie Ji," "Xuan Hu Ji," and "Jie Lu Ji." The cinematography greatly enhances the aesthetic quality of the series, perfectly aligning with the artistic ambiance of Su Shi's poetry. Every frame is stunning enough to be a wallpaper. Su Shi is often remembered as a literary giant who loved life, but in truth, he faced much hardship,…

Against all expectations, "To the Wonder" opened with a rating of 8.5 on Douban, making it this year's top-rated Chinese drama on the platform. This long-anticipated work has been stirring up speculation ever since its announcement under the "Microdust Theater" banner. On one hand, the challenge lies in adapting essays into a drama format; on the other, the intense competition among theatrical productions on streaming platforms makes the debut of a new label quite suspenseful. After the premiere of "To the Wonder," discussion about the series has been vibrant across major social platforms, with topics focusing on the natural scenery, mother-daughter relationships, and clashing viewpoints. The series tells the story of Han Chinese girl Li Wenxiu (played by Zhou Yiran), who grew up in the countryside of Altay. Dropping out of high school, she moves to a big city to make a living and pursue her literary dreams. After facing setbacks, she returns home to run a small shop with her mother (played by Ma Yili). There, she meets a Kazakh youth, Batai (played by Yu Shi), and gradually discovers the beauty and meaning of life. At this year's Beijing Film Festival, "To the Wonder" held an advanced screening event.…

Emeralds are gemstones that are as ancient as the Earth itself. The oldest specimens date back 2.97 billion years and the first mines were established in Egypt around 1500 BC. In Chinese couture, these luminous stones solve the dilemma of blending timeless tradition with the desire for exclusive, luxurious expression. Their deep green allure has captivated hearts and adorned the luxurious world of Chinese couture for centuries. This article explains how emeralds have become synonymous with luxury and tradition in Chinese couture by transforming everyday fashion into a canvas of cultural storytelling and opulent taste. Read on to discover the journey of emeralds from royal dynasties to modern runways, and see how they continue to define sophistication and elegance in high fashion. Historical Roots of Emeralds in Chinese Culture Emeralds have held a revered place in the history of Chinese jewelry. They're often seen as symbols of prosperity and renewal. Historically, these vibrant gemstones were favored by royalty and nobility. They were embedded into the crowns and robes that graced the courts of ancient Chinese dynasties. Such pieces weren't merely ornamental but also served as amulets of good fortune and indicators of status. The Ming Dynasty, in particular, saw emeralds…

Currently, after shedding the excesses of previous bubbles, long-form video content has entered a phase of steady, high-quality growth. As the most crucial sector of long-form video, series have become the primary battleground for platforms. However, competition in this space has evolved to be more positive. Rather than resorting to cutthroat tactics, platforms are solidifying their unique advantages based on historical experience, cultivating differentiation that cannot easily be replicated by competitors. They are reinforcing their distinctive brands to build a content moat. A retrospective view of the 2023 series market and a preview of 2024 through platform content lists reveals this underlying logic clearly.   Reflecting on 2023 Series In 2023, effective cumulative plays for series surpassed 300 billion across the entire network. Despite challenging external conditions, the market achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Two main pillars supported this performance. Major flagship dramas on each platform exhibited outstanding market performance, primarily in conventional mainstream genres. Examples include "The Knockout", and "Who Is He", which are suspense series that enjoy broad audience appeal. Their concurrent premieres on both online and traditional TV platforms achieved high online popularity and television viewership. Ancient romances drama like "Till the End of the Moon", "Lost You Forever",…

After much anticipation, the second season of Joy of Life has finally set its start date (May 16, 2024). The trailer was also released recently. Based on the original novel, the main storylines of the second season include the corruption scandal during the Spring Imperial Exam, the censors' impeachment, the assassination at the Xuankong Temple, and the Jiangnan mission to take down the Ming family. The teaser, which is two minutes long and packed with information, centers on these events. The teaser opens with Emperor Qing running frantically. This scene follows the events at the end of the first season. After hearing that Fan Xian was stabbed to death by Yan Bingyun, the emperor's usual regal demeanor vanishes as he reveals his genuine fatherly concern for Fan Xian, demonstrating that despite all the pressures and conflicts, he has some real affection for him. However, this stabbing is likely an original plotline of the drama, orchestrated by Fan Xian himself to deceive Emperor Qing and Chen Pingping. As revealed by the Northern Qi Princess, he wasn't actually dead. Lin Wan'er's festive makeover hints at her wedding ceremony with Fan Xian. In the novel, they were married before Fan Xian's initial journey…

After four and a half years, "Joy of Life Season 2" is set to premiere. Along with its solid script and exquisite costumes and settings, the greatest sincerity of "Joy of Life" lies in its thoughtful casting. Almost every supporting character is a skilled actor, beloved and familiar to the audience. The second installment retains most of the original cast while introducing some dazzling new faces. Please note, the following introduction of new characters contains spoilers. First, let's talk about two characters whose actors have been replaced: Yan Bingyun and Ye Ling'er. Yan Bingyun, originally played by Xiao Zhan, is now portrayed by Wu Xingjian, who has appeared in "A Lifelong Journey" and "The Forerunner." Coming from a family with a strong military background, Wu Xingjian is the third generation of his family to serve in the military. Ye Ling'er's role, previously played by Han Jiunuo, has been taken over by Jin Chen. Known for her role as the seductive dealer in "No More Bets," Jin is a familiar actress to many. Han Jiunuo's portrayal of Ye Ling'er in the first part was noteworthy. Rumors suggest that Jin Chen, a high-profile actress, might have edged out others for the role.…

Two weeks ago, at a significant meeting on the "Archaeology of China" project, held in Huainan, Anhui Province, a major discovery was announced. Archaeologists revealed that a bronze Ding unearthed from the "Wu Wangdun" site, the largest and most intricate high-status Chu tomb excavated to date, set a new record for the largest Chu cultural Ding found in China. Measuring 88.3 cm in diameter and about 1.2 m in height, this vessel surpasses the renowned Zhuke Dading (or "Chu Dading"), a prized artifact of the Anhui Museum. Although it doesn't rival the monumental Houmuwu Ding, its discovery has still sparked great excitement. As China national treasure, each bronze vessel is not only a marvel to craft but also a supreme symbol of power. Historically, the Ding size indicated one's status and authority. Records show that ancient nobles cooked various meats separately in different vessel, directly serving from them. Later, the Zhou Li stipulated a hierarchy of Dings: nine for the emperor, seven for lords, five for ministers, and three for officials. Thus, their size and weight took on special meaning, remaining a point of fascination even today. We know the largest and heaviest Ding in China is the Houmuwu Ding,…

On May 6th, the advanced screening ceremony for "Joy of Life 2" was held in both Beijing and Chongqing. The screenwriter Wang Juan and director Sun Hao appeared at the event in Beijing, while lead actors Zhang Ruoyun, Li Qin, and Guo Qilin interacted with the audience in Chongqing. Many viewers, after watching a portion of the series, expressed that this season is even more profound in its thematic exploration of the clash between ancient and modern ideas compared to the first season. According to incomplete statistics, there are over ten major historical dramas yet to be aired, including Joy of Life 2, Lost You Forever 2, Zang Hai Zhuan, Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Love in Pavilion, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved, Flourished Peony, Win or Die, and Guardians of the Dafeng. Below is the information on notable upcoming costume dramas.   Joy of Life 2 Production Companies: Tencent Video, Yuewen Films, New Classics Media Genre: Historical Creative Team: Directed by Sun Hao, starring Zhang Ruoyun, Li Qin, Chen Daoming, Wu Gang, Guo Qilin, Tian Yu Series Highlights: Based on the novel of the same name by Mao Ni, the…

Spring in Luoyang offers countless reasons to visit: feel the breeze by the Luo River, admire the late-blooming peonies, savor the street-side beef soup, and perhaps even encounter a celebrity. Not long ago, Tong Liya visited Luoyang, where she witnessed the millennia-old charm and blooming vitality of the city. When actress Tong Liya encounters the ancient capital that thrived through thirteen dynasties, what breathtaking scenes unfold? The April issue of "National Geographic Traveler," themed "Blossoming Luoyang," has the answer. As night descends and the lanterns glow, the Longmen Grottoes light up with the brilliance of three thousand lamps, merging light and shadow art with the cave sculptures and natural scenery into a dazzling visual feast. Each moment in Luoyang's millennia-old history, from its landscapes to its cultural treasures, has traversed the passage of time to reach us today. Late at night, as boats glide past the Longmen Grottoes, fluttering garments and shimmering reflections on the water tell the city's thousand-year story. Over the 5,000-year stretch of civilization, Luoyang has witnessed countless ebbs and flows, while peonies have intertwined with the city's history like silent witnesses, narrating the brilliance and splendor of Luoyang's past through their beauty. Every April and May,…

Spring, the revival of nature, brings new life and hope. As everything is renewed, hanfu enthusiasts are also looking for inspiration for the new season's outfits. Spring is the perfect time to show off the style of hanfu, with the perfect combination of light fabrics, bright colors and classical designs, displaying an irresistible charm. In this article, we'll take a look at the latest trends in hanfu for spring 2024, so let's step into a fashion world full of classical beauty and feel the perfect blend of ancient style and modern aesthetics.   Spring Dressing in Ancient China Shan (衫, shirts) and Ao (袄, jackets) are garments frequently worn in the springtime within the traditional hanfu attire. Typically crafted from lighter, more delicate materials such as brocade and silk, they suit the climatic characteristics of spring. The Banbi (半臂, half-sleeve shirt), owing to its lightweight nature, is especially popular during this season. It can serve both as an inner shirt and as an outer garment. Highlighting the interlined garments that provide warmth without causing overheating, thus becoming the favored choice in spring hanfu. These consist of a single layer underneath with a silk outer layer. Since the pre-Qin period, it…