This document summarizes different genres of Chinese television shows. It notes that China produces the most TV shows worldwide and discusses various popular genres including wuxia dramas featuring martial arts, historical dramas depicting Chinese dynasties, and modern dramas focusing on family and social issues. It highlights some specific acclaimed shows such as Nirvana in Fire, a cultural phenomenon praised as the Chinese Game of Thrones, and All is Well, a drama addressing sexism and economic inequality in China.

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