Year-end Review: China's most talked-about cultural TV shows

World
Europe

With over 5,000 years of civilization, China’s traditional culture is diverse, profound, and well worth raising awareness of.

This year, a number of cultural TV shows have done just that by exploring China's rich literary and artistic heritage. CGTN Digital is taking stock of some of the best cultural shows of 2017:

Creating a public reading craze

Launched early this year, the variety show "The Reader" tells true life stories via literature, touching the hearts of many.

Every episode features selected guests reading excerpts from their favorite literary classics. They also share their own personal stories, explaining why the particular pieces hold a special meaning for them.

"The Reader" is hosted by TV personality Dong Qing. /CCTV Photo

The show became a nationwide sensation and some have hailed it as "a breath of fresh air" among the nation’s variety shows – a refreshing change from the stereotypical dancing and singing shows that have dominated live television for a long time.

"The Reader" has also renewed public interest in reading. Similar reading events have popped up all over the country, mainly in military barracks and on school and college campuses.

"The Reader" /CCTV Photo

Old treasures, fresh enthusiasm

"National Treasure" – a history program that's part documentary, part drama and part variety show – is dedicated to promoting the protection of priceless cultural pieces and legacies.

"National Treasure" /CCTV Photo‍

Backed by nine major Chinese museums, including the Palace Museum, Shanghai Museum, and Shaanxi History Museum, each episode features three artifacts presented by a celebrity and an expert who acts as the "national treasure keeper."

The keepers tell the stories behind these masterpieces and uncover the mysteries that surround them.

The series has made a splash on social media with many Internet users saying the show has brought ancient China to life by using cultural relics as a way of representing the nation’s great history.

"National Treasure" /CCTV Photo

Poetry in motion

The second season of "Chinese Poetry Conference" has been a dark horse in terms of popularity. It is a game show that tests competitors' memory and ability to recite Chinese poetry. The competitors come from all walks of life, with people as young as eight and as old as 60.

Competitors on "Chinese Poetry Conference" /CNTV Photo

The show is a spin-off of three different shows – "Chinese Characters Dictation Competition" in 2013, "Chinese Idioms Competition" in 2014, and "Chinese Riddle Competition" in 2016. "Chinese Poetry Conference" helps emphasize traditional culture in education.

Many viewers said they came to realize the beauty of the Chinese language and classical poetry thanks to the show, with some children saying they were inspired to start learning and reciting poems.

"Chinese Poetry Conference" /CCTV Photo

Life stories of ordinary people

"Letters Alive" is a literary television show that asks Chinese celebrities to read memorable letters from history written by ordinary people, moving audiences to both tears and laughter.

Chinese actress Zhou Xun on "Letters Alive" /Photo via ent.163.com

The show lets viewers share the happiness, sadness, excitement and pain of a moment. It’s the power of language that builds a bridge between words and emotions in "Letters Alive."

Chinese actor Zhao Lixin /Photo via chinanews.com

The beauty of opera

Chinese opera is a performance art incorporating singing, acting and martial arts that has evolved gradually over a millennium. It has hundreds of genres, with the best known types including Peking and Kunqu opera. It has been regarded as one of the top forms of entertainment for centuries.

Performers on "Bravo China" /Photo via ent.ifeng.com

"Bravo China" is a TV show featuring performances by outstanding opera enthusiasts from all around the country. It has been a hit with audiences across China and netizens have praised the show for encouraging the younger generation to admire an old art form.

"Bravo China." /Sina Photo