Currently, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is being aired in a landscape where martial arts dramas show some signs of improvement and mystery genres are booming. From the perspective of a Wuxia drama, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is filled with the essence of the martial world in its plot and story background. From the viewpoint of a mystery drama, each episode interconnects seamlessly, with a tightly-paced storyline and plenty of comedic moments that generate high levels of interest and public discussion. However, precisely because it has gained considerable popularity, its distinct characteristics have made it harder for this fusion between Wuxia and suspense genres to blend harmoniously. Since its premiere, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" has sparked ongoing debates about which category it belongs to. Upon closer observation, certain aspects such as the overall story structure, character relationships, factional struggles within martial arts sects, and enigmatic case investigations appear overly straightforward or even somewhat misguided.   An orderly obsession From its content perspective, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is a costume mystery drama with elements of martial arts woven into it. The mysteries presented in each episode all stem from conflicts within the martial world rather than focusing on chivalry alone; instead they emphasize the intricate dynamics…

"Young Blood Season 2" premiered on July 29th, 2023, with main cast includes Zhang Xincheng, Zhou Yutong, Wang Youshuo, Su Xiaotong, Zheng Wei, Fu Weilun, and others. After a four-year hiatus, "Young Blood Season 2" has arrived as scheduled with the original team behind its creation. What's different this time is that Wang Juan not only served as the script planner but also personally took on the role of screenwriter. Such sincerity undoubtedly raises high expectations among viewers for a new round of plot developments. The second season continues the storyline and character settings from the first season. Set during the Qingli period in the Northern Song Dynasty era when young spies were trained in the Secret Pavilion by the Bureau of Military Affairs, it revolves around six intelligent and resourceful youths: Yuan Zhongxin who possesses great wisdom; Zhao Jian who combines beauty with quick-wittedness; Xiao Jing who refuses to take lives; Wang Kuan who never tells lies; Xue Ying who prefers solitude; and Wei Ya Nei (Wei Yuan) who has an outgoing personality, together they form Qi Zhai. After going through numerous life-and-death trials, they experience personal growth while remaining united and loyal to their country. In the first…

Chinese drama market has recently been bustling. On the one hand, the highly anticipated drama "Lost You Forever" quickly soared to the top of the popularity charts after its premiere, and its viewership ratings have also been steadily climbing. On the other hand, the beloved spy drama "The Infiltrator" has also caused a sensation and sparked continuous discussions. There is no denying that this year's summer lineup of dramas is indeed abundant, bringing countless highlights and topics for viewers. Furthermore, it has been reported that the ancient costume suspense drama "The Mutations" is about to be released. From both its storyline and production team to its cast members, it is undoubtedly stands as a highly anticipated hit series. Adapted from Ma Boyong's novel of the same name, it tells the story set in Tianqi period at the end of Ming Dynasty when a strange epidemic breaks out outside Liaodong Pass, plunging people into panic. A member of Jin Yi Wei (Embroidered Uniform Guard) goes alone to investigate in northern but becomes entangled in conflicts between local military forces and civilians. Eventually, this Jin Yi Wei gradually unravels a tale woven with political intrigues. The biggest highlight of this drama lies…

Vocab of Wrapped Flower Wrapped flower - 缠花 (chán huā) - a name used to called artificially made flower using the techniques of wrapping colored silk thread around cut-out pieces and combining each parts together to make flowers, animals, insects, etc. Spring Flower - 春仔花 (chūn zǐ huā) or 春花 (chūn huā). Used in this situation would mean various types of flower combined into a small batch each flower symbolize for different meanings in China. In this case, the flower would be a wrapped flower rather than a real flower.   History of Wrapped Flower Through ancient China, people held a profound appreciation for nature, which manifested in their beliefs of deities who governed natural forces to their interest in making poetry, music, and artworks that represented the beauty they saw. One remarkable custom in ancient China were the flower hair-pinning practice known as "簪花的习俗 (zān huā de xí sú)," where both men and women adorned their hair or hat with flowers, either fresh or artificially made. Talking about flowers, there are many artificial flower craftsmen that have passed down for centuries, including "ronghua" and "wrapped flower." The art of wrapped flowers originated during the Ming Dynasty and arrived in the…

The animated historical film "Chang An," produced by Light Chaser Animation Studios and directed by Xie Junwei and Zou Jing, was released on July 8, 2023. Set against the backdrop of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the film depicts the chaos that engulfed Chang'an after the An Lushan Rebellion. In this tumultuous time, Gao Shi reminisces about his past with Li Bai. What makes this film remarkable is not only its portrayal of a realistic and captivating Li Bai but also its presentation of the poignant stories between Li Bai and Gao Shi throughout their lives. It showcases their encounters with other prominent figures of the Tang Dynasty such as Du Fu and Wang Wei, capturing the splendorous era they lived in and showcasing the infinite charm of poetry and culture. Recently sparked heated discussions among netizens after its release. The film showcases the charm of Eastern aesthetics, allowing viewers to travel through time and experience the splendorous Tang Dynasty. In addition to the essence of Tang style emanating from poetry, the intricate motifs on the characters' costumes in the film also reveal the beauty of lines within China's long historical river. Patterns, simply put, refer to decorative designs. Ancient people drew…

In 2022, plenty of wonderful Chinese costume dramas accompany us. For example, the military and espionage drama "The Wind Blows From Longxi" based on the Three Kingdoms period; "Luoyang" and "Strange Legend of Tang Dynasty" set in the Tang Dynasty; "A Dream of Splendor" set in the Song Dynasty; "Imperial Cuisine" and "The Imperial Age" with the Ming Dynasty background; and the latest Qing Dynasty theme drama "The Long River". There are still some dramas in the 2022 to-broadcast list that have not yet aired, check them out here. The following is a list of Chinese costume dramas in 2023, as compiled by Newhanfu. Destined · 长风渡 (Aired) Aired: June 18, 2023 Also known as: Chang Feng Du Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Historical, Romance Main Role: Bai Jing Ting as Gu Jiusi, Song Yi as Liu Yuru, Liu Xue Yi as Luo Zishang Plot summary of Destined The drama "Destined" is based on Mo Shubai’s novel of the same name. Liu Yuru (柳玉茹, played by Song Yi), the daughter of a cloth merchant, has been suffering from her mother's illness, her concubine mother's lack of mercy, and her father's lack of attention since she was a child, so she…

Chinese costume detective dramas have finally gained momentum. In September of last year, when "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" just premiered, the industry exclaimed, "It has been a long time since we've seen a costume detective drama." Little did all know that in just ten short months, over a dozen historical Chinese costume detective dramas would be ready for release. In the history of Chinese dramas, costume detective dramas have achieved remarkable success. From the "Justice Bao" series in the 1990s to the drama series "Witness to a Prosecution" in the new millennium, and then to "Young Justice Bao," "Amazing Detective Di Renjie," and "Judge of Song Dynasty," this genre has paved its way with equal brilliance as historical dramas. Unfortunately, in recent years, costume detective dramas haven't been very popular. However, with the emergence of shows like "Young Blood" and "Ancient Detective," this genre is once again at the forefront of the industry. The success and popularity of "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" showcase how these types of dramas have accumulated strength over time and are now poised for further development. Currently, Chinese costume detective drama have presented four subgenres: strange, romance, female-oriented, and patriotism. Among these subgenres, the…

On July 12th, the costume drama "The Legend of Anle" took over from "Hidden Love", bringing a second wave of cdrama frenzy for the summer season. The premiere episode delighted viewers with amusing plot points such as "gazing through veils," "mutual rescue at sea," and "proactive marriage proposals." "The Legend of Anle" tells the story of Ren Anle, a righteous individual dedicated to the well-being of the people. While investigating a family mystery, she gains recognition from Prince Han Ye, who shares her commitment to their family, country, and citizens. As one of the highly anticipated dramas for the summer season, "The Legend of Anle" quickly captured audience affection with its compelling characters, light-hearted comedy elements, and profound themes – securing its position as number one on popular ranking charts.   Multi-dimensional characters Historical costume dramas have always been favored by audiences; however, with an abundance of similar content available today comes a certain level of viewer fatigue caused by formulaic productions that perpetuate gender stereotypes like dominant men and weak women. In truth, it is the characters themselves that form the core essence of any story. The success or failure of a drama hinges upon whether these characters can…

For a long time, the genre of Xianxia dramas has always been an important category in Chinese television productions. Whether it's the once dominant and repeatedly aired "New Legend of White Snake", or the pioneering work of contemporary Xianxia dramas, "Chinese Paladin", or the 2017 sensation that sparked a craze "Eternal Love", Xianxia dramas are an inevitable subject in Chinese TV series creation. And beneath the fantastical world and martial heroes lies its ever-changing core, the values of changing times.   Classic values in Xianxia drama series When reminiscing about Xianxia and monster-themed dramas you have watched, you may immediately think of classics such as "Journey to the West," "New Legend of White Snake," and "Gods of Honour" which were adapted from Chinese folk legends and historical texts. Underneath their classic stories, these immortal drama series possess lasting vitality undoubtedly related to their fundamental narrative logic. For instance, at its essence, "Journey to the West" is a tale of team adventure where protagonists undergo different forms of growth after facing conflicts and difficulties. The protagonist often embarks on a journey alone or with a team to search for something but ultimately discovers that what they find isn't tangible treasure but…

On July 2nd, "The Longest Promise" premiered. Directed by Jiang Jiajun and starring Xiao Zhan and Ren Min, this fantasy romantic love story captivates without the need for lengthy world-building narration. "The Longest Promise" begins with a retrospective narrative of the female lead Zhu Yan (played by Ren Min) fleeing from her wedding. It then delves into the main storyline of the male lead Ying Shi (played by Xiao Zhan), who was framed, faked his death, and left the palace during his youth. The intertwining of their growth and fate unfolds as they meet at Jiuyi Mountain's celebration. Since its debut, this drama has engrossed viewers with its lively storytelling pace, providing them with a rich blend of humor, sweetness, and heart-wrenching moments. Combined with a fresh worldview and Eastern fantastical aesthetics that enhance the audiovisual experience, "The Longest Promise" has become a focal point of discussion on social media platforms. The Eastern fantasy colors in "The Longest Promise" are not only superficial but also ingrained in its essence. Behind the immersive Eastern aesthetic ambiance lies the emotional core that shines brightly, the mortal struggle against destiny undertaken by Ying Shi and Zhu Yan illuminates their captivating bond.   Eastern…

The hot-blooded Xianxia drama "Lord of Snow Eagles," directed by Li Dachao and starring Xu Kai, Gulnazar, Bai Shu, and Lu Tingyu, is currently airing. This drama is adapted from a novel of the same name. The story revolves around Dongbo Xueying, a young man with an ancient bloodline, who becomes entangled in the conflict between righteousness and evil as he strives to save his mother. Along the way, Xueying meets and falls in love with Yujingqiu, a descendant of the divine race. Together, they overcome numerous obstacles and eventually grow into the legendary Lord of Snow Eagles that shines brightly in the Orient. Xianxia dramas have always been popular among young audiences in Chinese film and television productions. Creating a unique worldview is often essential for such dramas. In terms of production value, Xianxia dramas tend to have relatively high costs due to special effects shots, action choreography, green screen editing skills etc., which require time and financial resources. Some large-scale productions even rely on CG technology to enhance visual effects. "Lord of Snow Eagles" has indeed created an expansive and innovative world view. Its fight scenes and special effects are commendable; if we overlook its conventional plotlines and focus…

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…

The Dragon Boat Festival (Duan Wu Festival, 端午节) is considered one of the oldest traditional folk festivals in China, alongside the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. According to records, the Dragon Boat Festival originated from the worship of celestial phenomena and evolved from ancient dragon rituals. The Dragon Boat Festival is an auspicious day associated with this imagery of a soaring dragon; thus, both dragons and dragon boat culture have always been an integral part of its historical legacy. The term "Duan Wu" itself first appeared in Fengtu Ji during the Jin Dynasty. However, nowadays when most people mention the Dragon Boat Festival, they often associate it with Qu Yuan's legend. Legend has it that on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, Qu Yuan tragically sacrificed himself by plunging into Miluo River out of loyalty to his country. Upon hearing this news, local villagers rushed to their boats to rescue him. Worried about their speed not being fast enough, they vigorously rowed while also fearing that fish would devour Qu Yuan's body, hence throwing rice dumplings into the river. Later on, people designated the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar…

In June 2023, the Chinese television industry entered summer along with high temperatures. At the beginning of the month, the first China Drama Conference was held in grand style. Meanwhile, after a year's hiatus, the Shanghai Television Festival reopened its doors. The industry's exhibition & activities were among the first to resume, bringing back smiles on people's faces who had not seen each other for a long time. Production started slowly with only a few projects underway but picked up pace suddenly in May as 27 new productions began filming during that month alone - matching those from all three months of Q1. The quality of dramas receiving high reviews has significantly improved compared to previous years. Outstanding works have found their recipe for success against short videos' challenges. In June, four historical drama series that had been quiet for many years successfully passed regulatory filing procedures and reignited dreams within this once glorious genre. At this moment, important changes are happening in creating Chinese dramas.   Insights from hit dramas The above are the popular dramas that aired during the first five months of 2023, with most premiering in the first four months and one in late December last…

Eight years ago, the first season of "Inheritor" (2015) premiered. This documentary series focused on the skills and emotions of inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, showcasing little-known traditional techniques to the public and arousing people's interest in experiencing, watching, and exploring intangible cultural heritage. Eight years later, what kind of sparks can be generated when traditional intangible cultural heritage collides with modern technology? On June 10th, the documentary "Cultural Inheritor" premiered. Based on inheriting outstanding traditional culture and holding a modern scientific perspective, this program allows ancient techniques to collide with modern technology while further examining the civilization codes hidden in intangible cultural heritage. It not only showcases the charm of integrating culture and technology but also helps tell stories about intangible cultural heritage while conveying China's cultural charm and confidence to audiences worldwide.   Perceiving the aesthetic value of drama and technology The inheritance and innovation of intangible cultural heritage cannot be separated from generations' adherence to tradition while innovating. "Cultural Inheritor" excavates true stories between inheritors and projects, telling stories about intangible cultural projects through dramatic means while recounting wonderful life experiences by inheritors. With advances in technological methods, there are now more opportunities for projects related to…

On June 18th, the romance costume drama "Destined (Chang Feng Du, 长风渡)", adapted from the novel of the same name by author Mo Shu Bai, directed by Yin Tao and starring Bai Jingting and Song Yi, began airing. The main characters are well-defined and the plot progresses rapidly. As for the current plot, it has outstanding highlights and logical development. As a debut in the summer of 2023, it has stabilized its position. The plot of "Destined" is full of ups and downs while also paying attention to family and national sentiments. The casting and filming were highly anticipated, not to mention that after wrapping up production, lead actors Bai Jingting and Song Yi were rumored to be in a relationship. Fans as well as viewers who enjoy costume dramas are eagerly anticipating watching this ancient love story which combines palace intrigue, business endeavors, and imperial court politics. The female lead Liu Yuru. She is an aristocratic daughter from a cloth merchant's family but her father is notorious for favoring his concubines over his wife. Liu Yuru was never valued by her father growing up; her stepmother was unkind towards her while her biological mother suffered from serious illness. This…

This summer, the most anticipated film is undoubtedly "Creation of The Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms". Originally scheduled for release in the summer of 2020, this mythological blockbuster will finally meet audiences on July 20th. Although some industry insiders are cautiously optimistic about its box office performance, it cannot be denied that it has already raised audience expectations to their fullest. With the announcement of this large-scale investment movie's release date, another phenomenon is emerging: a resurgence of ancient costume films. Of course, "Creation of The Gods" is not alone in this trend. During the Shanghai International Film Festival, Beijing Baination released their film lineup which includes three costume films: Cao Dun's directed and Ma Boyong's scripted "Heroes of Dunhuang", Wu Youyin's self-written and directed "Sha Hai Zhi Men (沙海之门)," and “Su Wu”. Also during the same festival was when Bona Film Group Co announced twenty new films with historical themes including costume dramas such as “Fighting for Love”, “The Story of the Stone” & “The Legend”. If we include movies like last month’s poster-released "The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero" and other films that have been rumored since last year such as"Zheng He Xia Xi Yang:…

The "Jiaoling Youren (交领右衽, cross-collar-and-right-wrapped, the left lapel covers the right lapel when wearing)" based on flat cutting is a typical collar that has been passed down in the Chinese civilization for thousands of years. It fully embodies the diverse and integrated pattern since ancient times, carries Chinese common cultural connotation as a nation, and is a symbol of the spiritual essence extracted from the long history of Chinese civilization. Chinese traditional costumes are profound and have a long history, Jiaoling Youren is like main threads linking thousands of years' of flowery clouds together to inherit continuously with boundless beauty. The character "衣 (clothing)" already existed in oracle bone script which reveals its structural feature: two lapels overlap each other forming into textual symbols.   01 What is Jiaoling Youren One of the most prominent features of Hanfu is the collar design that crosses left over right to form a "Y" shape known as the Jiaoling Youren style. This collar design has more than 5,000 years of history since Zhou Dynasty. Even though Hanfu keeps innovating with different styles such as straight collars, tank tops, and stand-up collars, the cross-collared Hanfu still maintains its mainstream position among these styles.  …

Leaf painting, also known as leaf carving, originated in the Zhou Dynasty and flourished during the Tang and Song Dynasties. It uses the natural form of leaves and cleverly utilizes their natural veins to create stunning works of art. The work is delicate like a cicada's wings, with natural colors that transform decay into magical beauty. However, due to its difficulty in preservation, many exquisite pieces have been lost over time causing this craft to nearly fall into oblivion. Last August though Ding Li's leaf painting artwork series depicting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" went viral bringing this ancient yet captivating technique back into public view. Ding Li hails from Xianyang City in Hubei Province and has loved painting since he was five years old experimenting with sketching, watercolor painting, and oil paintings while also dabbling in woodcarving, bamboo-carving, stone-carving, nuclear carving etc., all out of pure interest for these different forms of artistry. At thirteen years old he attended an art exhibition where he saw an elderly man using small knives to carve on leaves; fascinated by what seemed like magic he watched him work for almost two hours before being asked if he wanted to learn…

After experiencing the oriental beauty of "The Island of Siliang" and the passionate combat in "Douluo Continent", what other expectations can we have for Chinese animation? The release of stylized martial arts animation "Blades of the Guardians" on June 1, 2023, surprises us with something new. Unlike the recent popular science fiction or immortality themes on various streaming platforms, Chinese martial arts finally becomes the theme again in the animated series "Blades of the Guardians (Biao Ren, 镖人)". A mysterious middle-aged martial artist, with a thin horse and a young child, walks in the desert outside of the country. He negotiates deals with bandits while making friends among commoners, he is both a armed escort and possesses an adventurer's courage. This character has rekindled memories of martial arts within society after only four episodes aired. Some see it as embodying Wuxia aesthetics; others use it to refute claims that martial arts are dead - even inspiring some to pick up original comic books once more. For a long time, whenever the content industry reached certain points, it was necessary to discuss the disappearance of martial arts theme. It is believed that lack of audience interest and reluctance from production teams…