Cdrama & hanfu

Dylan Wang, Tian Xiwei, and others star in the highly anticipated drama "Guardians of the Dafeng", which is currently being filmed. The original work is a popular online novel with a strong male protagonist, featuring numerous beautiful women. With the addition of the up-and-coming leading actor Dylan Wang, the drama has garnered much attention since its start of production. In June, a total of 28 actors were officially announced, ranging from popular young actors to seasoned veterans, covering the strengths of actors from different generations. It can be said that the drama possesses both good looks, acting skills, and popularity, indicating high expectations from the investors. In September, the official reservation channel was opened, and at the same time, the first set of character stills was released, providing a glimpse into the characters' personalities and relationships. The male lead is portrayed by Dylan Wang as Xu Qi An, the dominant presence in half of the stills. There is a striking solo shot of him wearing black attire, exuding a cool and stylish aura. There is also a kissing shot with Tian Xiwei, who plays Princess Lin An, dressed in red, displaying her charming and exquisite beauty. It is evident that…

In a digital era where entertainment often leans towards the flashy and transient, Tencent Video's latest offering, "Renewal Journey," emerges as a refreshing tribute to cultural depth and human connection. Premiering on July 10th, this spin-off from the beloved series "Empresses in the Palace" (also known as "甄嬛传") embarks on a quest to explore and celebrate the rich traditions of ethnic cultures across China. At its heart, "Renewal Journey" is not just a reality show; it's a poignant homage to heritage and a celebration of life's enduring journeys. The inaugural episode whisked viewers to the historic city of Hetur Ala in Fushun, Liaoning, where the cast, led by Cai Shaofen (蔡少芬), embarked on a profound exploration of Manchu culture. What began as a cultural exploration soon transformed into an emotional reenactment of a traditional Manchu wedding, a spectacle that left both participants and viewers alike awestruck. The marriage rituals, meticulously portrayed by Lan Xi (斓曦) as the bride and Zhang Xiaolong (张晓龙) as the groom, included rituals such as "Shooting the Magpie," "Phoenix Three Bows," and the symbolic act of crossing the saddle. These age-old customs not only brought the past to life but also resonated deeply with the cast, symbolizing a personal and collective…

In the realm of modern entertainment, where reality television often leans towards sensationalism and drama, Tencent Video's latest offering, "Refreshing Expedition," stands out as a refreshing breath of cultural exploration. Premiering on July 10th, this reality show has captured the hearts and minds of viewers by blending star power with an earnest quest to rediscover and celebrate China's rich ethnic heritage. At the forefront of "Refreshing Expedition" (焕新环游记) is its reunion of the cast from the iconic series "Empresses in the Palace," known to Chinese audiences as "Legend of Zhen Huan." (甄嬛传) The reunion of actresses like Cai Shaofen (蔡少芬), Tao Xinran (陶昕然), and Lan Xi (斓曦) after 14 years, set against the backdrop of the evocative Great View Garden, has sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans. This reunion is not just a gathering of celebrities but a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of cultural milestones in television and storytelling. However, what truly distinguishes "Refreshing Expedition" is its commitment to exploring and preserving ethnic cultures across China. Unlike typical reality shows that rely solely on celebrity antics, "Refreshing Expedition" integrates cultural education seamlessly into its format. Through thought-provoking questions about traditional practices and artifacts, such as the components of Shu-Han glue or the origins of floating light…

In 2022, Chinese Xuanhuan dramas achieve great success, with the airing of "The Blue Whisper", "Immortal Samsara", and "Love Between Fairy and Devil", that have left countless netizens lingering in the fairyland. As with historical dramas, there are still some unaired dramas on the 2022 to-broadcast list, check them out here. In this article, we will recommend some of the Xuanhuan dramas that will be aired in 2023.   Lost You Forever · 长相思 (Aired) Aired: July 24, 2023 Also known as: Chang Xiang Si Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Romance, Fantasy Main Role: Yang Zi as Xiao Yao, Zhang Wan Yi as Qiang Xuan, Deng Wei as Tu Shan Jing Plot summary of Lost You Forever In the ancient times, humans, gods and demons lived together, and the three kingdoms of Shennong, Xuanyuan and Gao Xin were in power. However, after a hundred years of hardship, Ji Jiu Yao (姬玖瑶, played by Yang Zi), the queen of Gao Xin, had not only lost her identity but also her looks and she had to settle in Qing Shui Town as Wen Xiao Liu, who had nowhere to go, no one to rely on, and no way to protect herself. Ji Jiu…

Recently, a Chinese animation has burst into the list of major platforms in China like an dark horse. It is Yao-Chinese Folktales, a collection of animated works jointly produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio and Bilibili. It consists of eight independent stories rooted in traditional Chinese culture. At present, it has been broadcast in 3 episodes with more than 45 million views. In the Chinese animation industry, it goes without saying that Shanghai Animation Film Studio has high artistic achievements and a unique style, but because of the changes of the times and talent faults, it has fallen into a dilemma. However, "Yao-Chinese Folktales" seems to indicate that this old brand of film studio is back. Monster story collection The theme of Yao-Chinese Folktales is monsters. Monster has a rich meaning in Chinese traditional culture. It is not necessarily just a fierce and grotesque image. It represents the abnormal and unknown, getting along with and fighting with human beings, and may also be another side of human beings. The eight stories vary in style and core. The title of the first episode is Nobody, which tells the story of ordinary little monsters in "Journey to the West", but there is…

In the realm of television drama, the wait for the second season of "Longing Heart" (长相思) has been a topic of anticipation among fans for nearly a year, following the resounding success of its first season. Recently, the official Weibo account of "Longing Heart" announced that Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on July 8th, featuring the original cast. According to a report from Cover News on July 3rd, the series will exclusively debut on Jiangsu TV on the same date. Let's rewind to July 2023 when the entire 39 episodes of "Longing Heart" Season 1 premiered on online streaming platforms. Shortly after its release, the series gained immense popularity, surpassing 33,000 in heat value due to its unique storyline, distinct characters, and high production standards. It became one of the hottest dramas of the summer of 2023. With the announcement of the premiere date for Season 2, glimpses of its standout scenes and climactic moments have already heightened audience expectations through teaser trailers. Particularly poignant scenes, evident from the trailers, showcase the emotional entanglements of the characters. Jiangsu TV has further indicated that they will innovate by airing both seasons consecutively: re-airing Season 1 during daytime slots and premiering…

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…

"Gone with the Rain" is a female costume drama led by Zhang Nan, Wang Yuwen, Sun Yizhou, Zhao Yingbo and Liu Meitong. It was broadcasted on June 5th, 2023. The drama is adapted from the romantic novel "Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan" by Ni Luo. It tells the story of two sisters Mo Xi and Bai Fengyao who grow up together through ups and downs while always sticking to their inner justice and working together to resolve various crises. On the day of its broadcast, it immediately sparked discussions among netizens on social networking websites with almost everyone focusing on the portrayal of female characters. By abandoning conventional character designs for costume dramas and creating bold and agile female images that viewers want to see in such dramas. "Gone with the Rain" portrays both personal loyalty as well as national patriotism, during times when the country faces danger, personal emotions are intertwined with patriotism throughout. The drama does not directly focus on struggles between various factions in court but instead focuses on how Mo Xi & Feng Yao support each other against difficulties they face; portraying deep sisterly love as well as women's growth provides new inspiration for creating…

Youku unveiled its 2024 "Spring Gathering" lineup, announcing 77 major dramas spanning five categories: historical, suspense, urban, legend, and Hong Kong dramas. However, one series stands out prominently, distinct from the five main categories, it is "Sea of Dreams," adapted from Liu Cixin's eponymous short science fiction story. The mention of "science fiction" stirs mixed feelings. Chinese sci-fi dramas have had a tumultuous track record, with audience expectations rising and falling over the years. There has always been hope that the rise of the Chinese film and TV industry would bring higher-quality local sci-fi productions. However, science fiction remains a "high-hanging fruit" in Chinese dramas, seldom attempted. Few dare to take on the challenge, and even fewer succeed. Thus, upon learning that "Sea of Dreams" is a sci-fi series, one can't help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern. Will this show manage to uphold the promise of Chinese sci-fi, a promise rekindled by "The Wandering Earth," or will it fall short and close the door on this genre once again? "Sea of Dreams" boasts significant pedigree. It is based on Liu Cixin's short story, published in 2002 in the "Science Fiction World" magazine, and tells a wildly imaginative…

Today marks the auspicious completion of filming for the historical romance drama "Phoenix on the Stage," starring Ren Jialun. The series, exclusively broadcast on Youku, boasts a stellar cast and promises a thrilling narrative that intertwines court politics with martial arts adventures. "Phoenix on the Stage" unfolds during the reign of Emperor Xiaohuan (played by Ren Jialun) in the Southern Qi Dynasty. Despite his earnest desire to govern for the people, the imperial court is manipulated by powerful ministers and influential figures from the martial world. To better understand the plight of the common people, Emperor Xiaohuan disguises himself as "Bai Chifan" and ventures incognito into the martial world. His aim is to unite various factions and protect the populace from oppression and calamity. Fate leads Emperor Xiaohuan to cross paths with Ling Cangcang (played by Peng Xiaoran), the righteous leader of the Fenglai Pavilion. United by their shared sense of justice, they embark on a journey together, wielding swords to eradicate evil and restore peace. As they spend more time together, a hidden affection blossoms between them. This setup introduces an engaging storyline filled with political intrigue, martial arts prowess, and blossoming romance. The Southern Qi Dynasty serves as…

In Jin Yong's world, the jianghu transcends its origins as a realm outside the law in traditional knight-errant novels, evolving into a timeless symbol of order and spirit. The role played by actual locations and scenery in live-action filming is not merely decorative - rather than being extravagant landscape promotion, it serves as a probing and revisiting of the order and chivalrous spirit of the jianghu. As a self-contained realm of power, the jianghu has dissipated after a long period of decline. In recent years, a wave of Jin Yong dramas and films born out of the overflow of the film and television industry has made it increasingly challenging to authentically capture even the superficial aspects of the martial arts jianghu. From 1957 to 1959, Jin Yong, after leaving the "Ta Kung Pao," joined the Great Wall Movie Enterprise as a screenwriter and director. His two years of foray into the film industry may be considered insignificant in his lifetime. However, in terms of the influence of Jin Yong's works in the Chinese-speaking world, the credit cannot be overlooked for the film and television adaptations based on his novels. Since the two-part film adaptation of "The Legend of the Condor…

Since its premiere in 2019, "Joy of Life" Season 1 has become a highly anticipated and popular TV drama. With its captivating storyline and outstanding cast, the show has attracted a large audience and sparked a nationwide craze for binge-watching. For many fans of this drama, the most anticipated thing is naturally the arrival of "Joy of Life" Season 2. After nearly four years, the filming of "Joy of Life Season 2" has finally begun. This news is undoubtedly good news for the eagerly awaiting audience. What's even more delightful is that the cast of the second season remains the same. In many TV dramas, it is common for the main cast to be replaced in the second season, which can easily affect the audience's perception and enthusiasm for the show. However, the fact that "Joy of Life 2" is able to reunite the original cast is not only a great fortune but also a testament to the production team's dedication and respect for the audience. Of course, in addition to the return of the original cast, the second season has also added some outstanding actors. The addition of these fresh talents will undoubtedly inject new vitality and tension into…

Drinking a steaming bowl of beef soup in Luoyang, the ancient capital of the 13th dynasty, peeking at the aesthetic wisdom of Jingdezhen craftsmen in the kiln fires that have not been extinguished for a thousand years, shuttling through the mountains and streams of Wuyi Mountain to experience the unity of heaven and human. These exciting experiences come from the program "The Shape of Culture (万里走单骑)". As China's first World Heritage uncovering interactive documentary program, in the two seasons of the program, the team led by Shan Jixiang, visited more than twenty World Heritage sites in China. The Shape of Culture program showcases the unique value of heritage sites, tells the stories behind the sites from a variety of perspectives, and tears away the inherent "mysterious" label of cultural heritage in people's minds.   Exploring the ordinary life in the world heritage place The most important feature of "The Shape of Culture" is that by getting close to the daily lives of local people and experiencing the unique traditional skills, the cold cultural heritage comes to life and the heritage sites become full of human touch. In the first program of the first season, the "The Shape of Culture" guests…

Hailed as the dominant palace drama of the year, the palace drama "Story of Kunning Palace" has been a hot topic since its premiere on November 7th, maintaining high viewership and demonstrating its strong appeal. This period drama, adapted from the novel of the same name by Shi Jing, is renowned for its continuous plot twists in the palace intrigue, leaving a lasting impression. As a work that showcases themes of changing destiny and rebirth, both the plot development and character portrayal in "Ning An Ru Meng" are worth exploring. Let us provide a comprehensive critique, analyzing the production highlights and shortcomings of this popular drama from different perspectives.   1. A Twisty Tale of Destiny Story of Kunning Palace follows Jiang Xuening, who rises from unfavored daughter to Empress, only to be forced to suicide amidst palace turmoil. She awakens inexplicably returned to her 18-year-old self, before her ill-fated rise to power. Given a second chance, Jiang Xuening maneuvers back into the palace as a student, intent on uncovering the truth behind the palace betrayals years ago and changing the destinies of those she cares about. Unraveling the past and reshaping the future is no easy task, but Jiang…

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

In the ever-evolving landscape of television dramas, few things spark as much debate and disappointment as abrupt endings and unfulfilled promises. Recently, the Chinese TV series "Golden Age of Jin Yong" (金庸武侠世界) found itself at the center of such controversy, leaving viewers divided and questioning the integrity of its production. The series, originally touted to encompass 60 episodes under the ambitious title "New Legend of the Condor Heroes," abruptly concluded after airing only the first segment titled "Iron-Blooded Heart" (铁血丹心). This unexpected decision was met with a wave of criticism from loyal fans who had eagerly anticipated the unfolding of the entire narrative. Announced via the official Weibo account on July 6th, the closure of "Golden Age of Jin Yong" came as a shock to many. The post expressed gratitude to viewers for their support and hinted at a farewell to the martial arts world depicted in the series. Despite initial excitement and high expectations fueled by promotional material featuring a star-studded cast and grandiose production promises, the series failed to deliver on its full potential. At its core, "Golden Age of Jin Yong" aimed to create a cinematic universe akin to Marvel's, gathering iconic characters from Jin Yong's extensive…

The historical fantasy drama "White Cat Legend" adapted from the highly popular anime "Da Li Si Ri Zhi" has a strong lineup of familiar actors, such as the male lead Ding Yuxi, along with Zhou Qi, Wei Zheming, Ren Min, and others. In this series, these actors have broken through their previous images and portrayed different roles, bringing a fresh perspective to the audience. The storyline of this drama itself is quite innovative. The male lead in the series witnesses his father's murder, which leads him to premature aging overnight. However, during his father's funeral, he is once again attacked but this time he is transformed into a cat. After years of wandering, he returns to Dali Temple to uncover the truth and explain his new identity to others. Ding Yuxi rose to fame through his collaboration with Zhao Lusi in the historical drama "The Romance of Tiger and Rose," which was not a traditional costume drama. He has since ventured into various genres of film and television, working with outstanding actresses such as Yu Shuxin and Zhang Yuxi. The role he takes on in this new drama presents a significant challenge for an actor, requiring not only acting skills…

In fact, while making this list today I found out there are so many upcoming costumed dramas that I'm waiting for.  This post is dedicated to my favorite upcoming costumed series, from historical to fantasy. Anyways, I hope you all are ready, today we will be going over the Top 14 Most Anticipated Upcoming Chinese Dramas in 2021. 1. Novoland - Pearl Eclipse This is definitely one of my favorite upcoming dramas. Yang Mi & William Chan lead this fantasy drama whose filming was completed last year on September 20, 2020. It's safe to assume that most of the post-production work is completed now and the drama is just waiting for a premiere date. Novoland Pearl Eclipse revolves around the story of a mermaid living together among her people in a small coastal village which gets raided and its inhabitants were slain. Pearl Eclipse referring to the tears of a young mermaid,  which becomes a magical pearl and is sought after by poachers of the time.  Yang Mi plays the part of the mermaid who is saved by the royal court official William Chan. I think the cinematography looks great and the storyline sounds interesting. You can never go wrong…

The first quarter of 2023 saw the release of several exceptional Chinese dramas with different themes, including science fiction, romance, and suspense. Among the remarkable additions were six must-watch series that stood out for their unique blend of genres. From the breathtaking cinematography to the stunning costumes and gripping storylines, these dramas got viewers hooked from the very start. In this essay, we will explore the top six Chinese dramas of the first quarter, highlighting what makes them stand out and why they deserve your attention.   Three-Body "Three-Body" is a sci-fi drama directed by Yang Lei and starring Zhang Luyi, Yu Hewei, Chen Jin, Wang Ziwen, Lin Yongjian, and Li Xiaoran. It was broadcast on January 15th, 2023. The show was adapted from the sci-fi novel with the same title, which was written by Liu Cixin. It tells the story of the abnormal disturbance of basic scientific research on the earth, which caused panic and turmoil in the scientific community. The nano-physicist Wang Miao and the criminal police Shi Qiang jointly investigated and uncovered the mysterious veil of the “three-body” world of unknown civilizations outside the earth. Since that they have started a battle against the invading three-body aliens along…

In the year 2024, the espionage genre is experiencing a long-awaited resurgence. On one hand, the innovative spy drama "War of Faith" has just concluded with great success, while on the other hand, "In the Name of the Brother" is quickly taking the spotlight. Looking at the lineup, the director is Zhang Li, and the screenwriter is Wang Xiaoqiang, both of whom have produced excellent works in the past, with Wang Xiaoqiang excelling in the espionage genre. As for the cast, Yang Mi partners with Qin Hao, possessing both beauty and acting skills. "In the Name of the Brother" is set in the puppet state of Manchukuo before the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan, telling the story of Communist intelligence officer Song Zhuowen (played by Qin Hao) being mistaken as a savior by Guan Xue (played by Yang Mi), who is the head of the Special Service Department of the Harbin Police Bureau. Song Zhuowen, who is actually his brother Song Zhuowu, then infiltrates the enemy's ranks with a calculated plan. Thus, a grand drama of twin spies unfolds. Familiar with Espionage Dramas "In the Name of the Brother" exudes a sense of urgency from the very…

With summer just around the corner, viewers can look forward to a slew of new cdramas. Among them is "Lost You Forever", starring popular actors Yang Zi and Zhang Wan Yi. Prior to its release, "Lost You Forever" had already garnered over 2 million reservations. With its growing buzz and attention, the drama has recently received official approval for broadcast. Judging by the show's quality and unique plotline, it may very well become this season's biggest hit. Directed by Qin Zhen and Yang Huan with Tong Hua serving as screenwriter, "Lost You Forever" follows Ji Jiu Yao - played by Yang Zi - as she navigates through life in turbulent times after losing her identity as a princess. The story revolves around her personal growth journey intertwined with various relationships including friendship and love. Of course, one cannot ignore the stunning cast that includes many talented actors. As female lead actress in particular, Yang Zi is no stranger to costume or fantasy dramas having starred previously in hits like "Ashes of Love" and "Immortal Samsara". Her outstanding acting skills combined with her versatile portrayal of different character traits have earned her much acclaim from audiences. Once again taking on a…

As one of the highly anticipated costume dramas of 2023, "Story of Kunning Palace" finally made a strong debut in the winter season. The number of pre-orders before the premiere has exceeded 7.4 million. After the premiere, the drama's popularity was unstoppable, and with its soaring momentum, it quickly attracted a large number of casual fans and related content creators. What is the magic of "Story of Kunning Palace"? "Story of Kunning Palace" has remarkable highlights in various dimensions of character development, emotional expression, world-building, plot progression, value innovation, and aesthetic creation in Chinese costume dramas. It is not difficult to understand why it has sparked another wave of phenomenal drama craze in Q4 of Chinese dramas.   The intertwining of strategy and love Many viewers have given feedback that the plot of "Story of Kunning Palace" is smooth and fulfilling. What makes "Story of Kunning Palace" achieve this effect? Firstly, the clever and ingenious foundation setting of the entire story makes it rich and vibrant. Based on the continuous progression of the main storyline, the opening pace is brisk, and the plot remains engaging. Jiang Xuening, after experiencing hardships, finally becomes the queen but is forced to commit suicide.…

Content creators who consistently engage with the public's aesthetic preferences are quicker and more acutely aware of changes in audience demands, down to the finest details. Looking back at the content market of the past two years, blockbusters often resonate with real-life experiences or are born in the spiritual homeland of traditional culture. "The Double," an ancient costume drama about women's growth and inspiration, achieved over 10,000 views within three days of its premiere on Youku. It became the fastest drama to reach this milestone in 2024, with the highest first-day viewership and popularity on its launch day. The series has already secured its status as a national hit, driven by word-of-mouth among viewers. Starring Wu Jinyan, Wang Xingyue, and Chen Xinhai, "The Double (Mo Yu Yun Jian, 墨雨云间)" is a historical romance drama that tells the story of Xue Fangfei (played by Wu Jinyan), the daughter of a county magistrate who loses everything after a major upheaval. Under the request of her savior, Jiang Li (played by Yang Chaoyue), the daughter of the Zhongshu Ling, she returns to the capital under Jiang Li's identity. With the help of Duke Xiao Heng (played by Wang Xingyue) and others, she overcomes…