"Legend of Zang Hai" adds to surging popularity of C-dramas worldwide

by Xinhua writers Cao Pengyuan and Yang Qi

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- With its ads displayed on digital billboards in cities such as Tokyo and Bangkok, and its views climbing on video-streaming portals like Disney+, "Legend of Zang Hai" is the latest example of a Chinese TV series making inroads into the global market.

Featuring a star-studded cast led by Chinese mega-popular actor Xiao Zhan and renowned director Zheng Xiaolong, "Legend of Zang Hai" revolves around the protagonist Zang Hai's pursuit of revenge years after his family was murdered and his quest for justice amid Machiavellian struggles in the fictitious dynasty of Da Yong.

Since its release on May 18, "Legend of Zang Hai" has not only become a domestic hit across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, but has also been aired to audiences in over 190 countries and regions in the world, via online platforms such as Youku and Disney+.

During its premiere week, the drama swept popular TV charts of countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, and trended on social media in Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, Ukraine, India and some other countries. According to data-monitoring platform Beacon, as of June 18, "Legend of Zang Hai" had garnered more than 2.2 billion views, constantly leading the platform's daily broadcast chart during its month-long run.

On the international rating and review platform IMDb, "Legend of Zang Hai" scored a peak 9.5 out of 10 points in terms of its overall rating and stabilized at the current 8.8 points. "The show is brilliantly crafted, with stunning visuals and smart storytelling that keeps you hooked. Every episode is packed with twists, suspense and emotional depth," one of the most-liked reviews on IMDb stated.

Besides the appeal of its overarching story and audiovisual techniques, this drama also integrates a series of traditional heritage elements throughout its scenes -- presenting these in a seamless and realistic manner. According to a rough tally, the drama features 18 types of traditional cultural heritage, like centuries-old puppetry, mortise and tenon techniques, embroidery, wood carving, lantern shows, Kunqu Opera and more.

"Although 'Legend of Zang Hai' is a drama set in a fictional context, the creative team has always adhered to the principle of realism in its production, and strove to be genuine and credible in every detail," said the drama's chief director Zheng.

In addition, mysterious traditional elements, such as geomancy and astrology featured in the drama, have also intrigued overseas viewers, sparking cross-cultural discussions among both viewers and media commentators.

"It is very rare to come across a script as perfect and engaging as this, with an engaging yet logical and tight storytelling style…Not only that, it also applies the beauty of Eastern culture, such as feng shui, construction, burial, astrology, puppetry, shadow plays, etc.," commented an IMDb reviewer who gave the drama a perfect score.

"For fans of epic historical dramas with soul, this is a must-watch. And for those unfamiliar with Chinese television, 'Legend of Zang Hai' is the perfect gateway -- a show that proves great storytelling transcends language and borders," said another on IMDb.

Beyond traditional viewership, the suspense drama has sparked a "co-creation" phenomenon. Fans actively participate in the narrative through social media analysis, fan fiction, and detailed breakdowns of the plot and symbolism, turning passive audiences into engaged collaborators.

A viewer noted, "I kept discussing with my friends and checking comment sections and social networks while watching the show -- every episode became a group investigation."

With ever-improving quality in terms of both content creation and production, China's television dramas, often abbreviated as C-dramas on video platforms, have gained a growing fan base worldwide over recent years.

In 2024, Chinese costume drama "The Double," which focuses on the female protagonist's romance and revenge story, was released on streaming platforms such as Netflix, garnering approximately 200 million views overseas and securing an 8.2-point IMDb rating.

Featuring unique eastern aesthetics, another costume drama, "Love Between Fairy and Devil," has made a splash on overseas platforms like Reddit since its global release back in 2022.

Other C-dramas such as "The Starry Love," "Till the End of the Moon," and "The Legend of Shen Li" have also generated waves of social media buzz among overseas audiences, thanks to their cultural and aesthetic depth.

Earlier this year, the global reach of C-dramas was again highlighted when American punk-rock icon Patti Smith praised young Chinese actor Wang Xingyue for his performance in costume comedy "Perfect Match." "A great show. You are a wonderful artist," she wrote, while punctuating her comment with four clapping emojis. ■