Reality show meets the past

The show is titled The Twelve Revels in Jiangnan. Jiangnan refers to the southern regions of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, where Suzhou is an iconic city.

"These distinguished figures we've come to know from Wujiang's history are like cultural sparks scattered across this land, and it is them who inspired us to create a show," says Wang, who is also the founder of Beijing-based theater company Magnificent Culture.

"Only by experiencing Wujiang in person, did we truly understand, that its cultural depth goes far beyond the idyllic imagery of small bridges and flowing river associated with Jiangnan."

Jointly produced by Magnificent Culture, ticketing platform Damai's theater brand Mailive, video streaming platform Youku, and Wujiang Culture and Tourism Group, the reality show began filming in late June and will air in September on Youku and Zhejiang TV, according to a media conference on June 5.

The production is set to become a study-oriented reality show centered on actor training and cultural learning, as the creative team sees the Wujiang district as a place to nurture comprehensive qualities.

It has selected 24 young aspiring actors to participate, who will, in the upcoming months, live and film in Wujiang, explore local culture, take courses given by professionals, and finally embody the historical figures through acting.

Filming mainly takes place near the Chuihong Bridge, with nearby areas having been restored to a historical and cultural street zone. Now, the zone boasts buildings reflecting ancient aesthetics, cultural and commercial venues suited to visitors' needs, and historical sites including gardens and city walls.

The creative team seeks to closely integrate Wujiang's cultural and tourism resources related to daily life into the show's narrative, bringing the participants to the traditional Jiangnan-style buildings, intangible cultural heritage museums and workshops, and themed guesthouses.