On October 25, 2023, a creative seminar for the television drama “City of Sunlight” was held in Beijing, hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, the China Television Art Committee, the Publicity Department of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the Publicity Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region Committee.
“City of Sunlight” is a key program in the special broadcasting event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China, themed “Walking with the Times, United with the People.” The drama tells the inspiring stories of a group of young people in Lhasa, intertwining vibrant colors to showcase Tibet’s unique natural beauty and cultural allure.
This is the first realistic drama reflecting contemporary urban life in Tibet. During its broadcast, “City of Sunlight” ranked first in audience ratings in the prime time slot on CCTV-1 for eight consecutive days, with a total viewership of 223 million. It also topped the ratings for the same time slot on Hunan TV. Viewers were drawn to the show’s portrayal of Tibet’s distinct landscapes and cultural scenes. Notably, the series helped attract nearly 1.99 million domestic and international tourists to Lhasa during its airing, marking a 7.45% increase year-on-year.
At the seminar, it was emphasized that “City of Sunlight” is an exemplary television drama that reflects the vibrant lives of the Tibetan people in the new era, developed collaboratively by the State Administration of Radio and Television, the Hunan Provincial Committee, and the Tibet Autonomous Region Committee. The production serves as a dynamic practice in fostering a shared sense of community among Chinese ethnic groups and showcases their interwoven bloodlines, beliefs, cultures, economies, and emotions. The creation and airing of “City of Sunlight” offer three significant insights for television drama production: to capture the essence of a great era and galvanize efforts towards Chinese-style modernization; to remain rooted in the populace, portraying the vivid lives of ordinary people; and to adhere to artistic principles, striving for excellence in craftsmanship.
Li Jingsheng, Vice President of the China Broadcasting and Television Social Organization Alliance, pointed out that “City of Sunlight” provides a new creative perspective for ethnic-themed productions by focusing on contemporary life and the new era. By appreciating the natural beauty and cultural richness, it explores the beauty of modern lifestyles and human connections, integrating film, television, and tourism more organically.
Gao Xiaoli, Deputy Director of the Audiovisual Committee of the Beijing Literary Criticism Association, remarked that “City of Sunlight” allows viewers to feel the vibrancy of Lhasa while also being moved by the exquisite scenery, culture, and the profound human emotions that flow from the Tibetan plateau.
Professor Lu Rong from the School of Drama and Film at Communication University of China noted that the series enriches the creative spectrum of the Tibetan plateau by using a fresh vocabulary of contemporary life, diving deep into the daily existence of Lhasa’s residents, and offering insights into the unique culture of the district.
During the seminar, the creative team behind “City of Sunlight” shared heartfelt reflections on their three-year journey in bringing the series to life. Producer Zhang Xiaoxie recalled the challenges faced while filming in Tibet, mentioning that the crew traveled across Lhasa’s three districts and five counties, interviewing 132 individuals of various ages and professions, covering a total distance of 4,126 kilometers, and accumulating over a million words of notes. Filming each scene in extreme conditions allowed them to authentically present the reality of Tibet.
Zhou You, the lead actor, expressed his dedication to embodying the character of a young Tibetan named Suolang, stating that he “surrendered himself to Tibet” by immersing himself in the local culture and learning Tibetan in advance to authentically portray the character. Wang Zhuocuo, who plays Quzong, mentioned that she meticulously crafted her character’s actions and dialogue to genuinely reflect the kindness and beauty of Tibetan women.
Screenwriter Yu Xiaoqian emphasized that “there are countless characters and stories yet to be told” across the vast landscape of Shenzhou, and that creations filled with warmth and passion will surely connect with audiences who appreciate them.
