Bakuo Street, the vibrant heart of Lhasa Old Town, is a must-visit destination for travelers in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. Renowned as a bustling bazaar, it serves not only as a tourist hotspot but also as a platform for young people to pursue and realize their dreams.
In a significant cultural event, the new TV series “City of Sunlight” is set to premiere on October 2 on China’s state television and streaming platforms, including Mango TV. This series is part of the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Producer Bao Jianhua emphasizes that “City of Sunlight” is the first TV series focused on contemporary Tibetan narratives. “Our goal is to present truth, objectivity, and authenticity,” he stated. “Each character is inspired by real stories, showcasing the journey of chasing dreams and achieving self-worth through a relaxed storytelling approach.”
The series unfolds along the Holy Road, which retains the traditional essence of Lhasa, as it follows six young men, including the character Suolang, on their quest to fulfill their aspirations. “Their optimism and resilience are like highland barley seeds taking root in the snowy plateau, symbolizing growth and hope,” Bao added. “I hope this message inspires more young individuals.”
To authentically depict these narratives, the cast and crew, including Bao and scriptwriter Yu Xiaoqian, visited Xizang in October 2021. They conducted interviews with hundreds of locals from various backgrounds, compiling over 1 million words of notes that laid the groundwork for this realistic portrayal.
The series also showcases Lhasa’s stunning landmarks, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka, while introducing viewers to Tibetan culture through opera, cuisine, clothing, embroidery, and horse racing.
Scriptwriter Yu faced challenges in capturing the essence of contemporary Lhasa. “We aimed to tell these stories from the locals’ perspective rather than that of curious tourists,” he explained. The narrative is set in a yard on Bakuo Street, blending traditional and modern elements through local architecture.
Li Wei, a doctor from Beijing Anzhen Hospital and former member of a medical aid team to Xizang, inspired the character Yin Wei. Reflecting on the series, Li remarked, “It transported me back to my time in Lhasa, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in these scenes and connect with the characters.”
In recent years, several Chinese TV series have successfully promoted local tourism, including “Rising with The Wind” and “Blossoms Shanghai.” At a recent press conference focused on “Promoting High-Quality Development,” Zhu Yonglei, vice minister of the National Radio and Television Administration, highlighted the collaboration between the administration and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. He noted that audiences can expect to enjoy the engaging narrative of “City of Sunlight” while appreciating the breathtaking scenery of Xizang.
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