Promotional material for Dawn of the Orient Photo: Courtesy of Maoyan

'Dawn of the Orient': TV series depicts Shanghai's development over time

The new TV series Dawn of the Orient just released on December 23. Set in Shanghai during the first year following the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the series presents a city looking to recover and develop its economy and achieve a better life under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In 1949, China was a country starting from scratch. The key question the CPC faced at the time was how to develop social productivity in a short period of time to combat extreme poverty in China and achieve revitalization.

Under the leadership of the CPC, strong-willed and courageous leaders such as Chen Yun and Chen Yi, who have vigorously promoted the economy, improved people's  lives and cultures, helped make Shanghai what it is today. 

The series focuses on the reconstruction of Shanghai during the first year after the city's liberation in May 1949.

Starring Zhang Jiayi, Liu Tao and Qiao Zhenyu, and directed by Gao Xixi, the series is based on true historical records and portrays the city leaders' faith, wisdom and solidarity to face bandits, a typhoon, and enemy agents and solve various political, economic and social problems.

Li Yang, the head producer of the series, said that "the series was a collective effort of everyone on this team."

Shot in 4K, the series involved 161 actors and more than 14,000 extras. It is a joint effort by China Central Television and the Shanghai Media Group's SMG Pictures to pay tribute to the city's pioneers and mark the country's tremendous achievements over the decades.

"In general, we want this work to be able to inspire more audiences, but the process of shooting the show educated us as well," Li said.

According to Gao, they carefully selected actors from different generations to properly present the magnificent epic story of the city.

"This is a work dedicated to the specific figures who fought for the future of Shanghai and those who selflessly sacrificed themselves for the future and to aid society," added Gao.

Global Times