Chinese Language and Culture

1. Chinese Soap opera/dramas
电视剧

2. The significance of Chinese television
● China produces the most television shows of any country
of the world
● China has made approximately 15,000 dramas since 2018
● One of the most profitable industries in China
○ Ad revenue from commercial breaks
○ Social media reactions
○ Product placement
● Chinese dramas are regularly broadcast all throughout
Asia

3. Hengdian world studios
● Largest film studio in the world
● Giant reconstructions of several palaces

4. Wuxia dramas
● Typically set in a fantasy world
● Usually involves a protagonist who must undergo many
trials in order to become strong
○ Japanese equivalent=shonen anime
● Includes a large cast of characters
● Most characters rely on martial art skills
● Usually based on very popular chinese novels
● Known for their well-choreographed fight scenes

5. Legend of Condor heroes
● Has been adapted into 6 films and 17 tv series
● Novel was written in 1957
● 2008 and 2017 versions are the most faithful to original
storyline
● 50 and 52 episodes respectively
● First half revolves on the strong bond between two men,
Yang Tiexin & Guo Xiaotian who become heroes fighting off
invaders
○ Their friendship is so strong that they pledge for their unborn
children to become sworn siblings
● Second part focuses on their sons’ respective journeys
after Guo Xiaotian’s death and Yang Tiexin’s
disappearance

7. Ever night
● Based on the novel 将夜
● Released in 2018-19
● 60 episodes
● Ning Que, the main protagonist, is the sole survivor of
General Lin Guang Yuan’s regime
○ Travels to the capital w/Sang Sang his maid
○ Trains at a martial arts academy
● Focuses on his personal growth as a martial artist and
his drive for revenge
● Popular for its cinematography and its interesting story

9. Historical
● Most popular genre
● Delve deeply into imperial Chinese history and customs, a
great way to learn about each of the dynasties from Tang
to Qing
○ Ways of life within the palace
○ Costumes
○ Art
○ Architecture
● Usually feature ensemble cast of distinguished Chinese
actors and actresses

10. Empresses in the palace
● One of the most awarded dramas of 2011 in China
● Was nominated for an international Emmy award for “Best
Actress”
● 63 episodes
○ 6 episode special on Netflix
● Tells the tale of how the character Zhen Huan rises
through the ranks of the imperial harem-from lowly
concubine to Empress Dowager
● Known for its beautiful costumes and suburb acting
● Filled with power struggles

12. Nirvana in fire
● By far my favorite Chinese drama of all time
● Was a cultural phenomenon not only in China but overseas
● Hailed as the Chinese equivalent of “Game of Thrones”
● 52 episodes
● Lin Shu(the main character), his father, and their army
are framed by a political rival leading to the death of
his family and over 10,000 soldiers.
○ Escapes with his life with a completely changed appearance
○ Under a new alias he returns to the capital in order to clear his
family’s name and instill a righteous ruler
● Popular for its great acting, gripping story, and
cinematography

14. Modern
● Focus on how the Chinese people live on a day to day
basis
● Usually centered around family importance, pursuing a
career, and marital issues
● Often spir important discussions on social media about
the current problems in Chinese society/schools/families
● Popular for their relatability

15. All is Well
● Produced in 2019
● Explosively popular in China. Spurred several reactions
throughout social media
● 52 episodes long
● Tells the story of a white-collar worker and the
struggles that her family face after her mother’s death
● Important themes:
○ The prominence of sexism not only in chinese families but also in
society as a whole
○ The economic imbalance of people
○ How to treat your elders

17. Why should you watch?
● Good way to learn the language
● Familiarize yourself with pronunciation
● Learn new vocabulary words
● Representation of Chinese culture
○ landmarks
○ values
○ Food
○ Clothing
○ architecture