Riveting period drama scores big overseas

Also starring Wu Lei, Liu Yuning, Zhao Lusi and Fang Yilun, the drama was filmed at Hengdian World Studios, the country's largest filming base in Zhejiang province, between March and July last year.

The production team planned to film some parts of the drama in the grasslands and deserts of Dunhuang, Gansu province, but the COVID-19 outbreak forced them to change plans.

"As it would be impossible to travel with so many crew members to many of the places, the production team purchased tons of seeds to create a prairie in a large area on the outskirts of Hengdian," Yan recalls.

Covering 40,000 square meters, the crew set up dozens of tents to recreate the home of the nomads in northern China nearly 1,400 years ago.

A total of about 2,000 ancient costumes were made for the drama, with the lead actors and actresses having seven of the same costumes each, in case they were damaged during the fighting or horse-riding scenes.