The 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has led to the creation of several compelling Chinese television dramas that spotlight China’s contributions on the global stage. These TV dramas intricately blend narratives of technology, ecology, and human connection, demonstrating how the BRI has touched numerous lives worldwide.
One such drama, produced by Perfect World, delves into the story of Chinese medical teams selflessly serving in Africa. Titled “Welcome to Milele Village,” this production stands as a pioneering Sino-African collaborative project in Chinese television history. Apart from echoing the ethos of the BRI, the drama also celebrates six decades of China’s medical aid to foreign countries, focusing on the relentless efforts of Chinese medical teams in Africa.
In the creation of this series, the production team demonstrated remarkable dedication. They interviewed over a hundred foreign aid doctors from China who have served in Mali, Tanzania, Senegal, and numerous other African nations, amassing a treasure trove of anecdotes and insights. This extensive research became the foundation for the series, providing an authentic look into the experiences of these medical heroes. Following a domestic shoot, the extensive cast and crew of over 170 members relocated to Tanzania. There, they collaborated with more than 1,200 local actors to breathe life into the story. Recognizing their commendable work, the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, honored the crew with a certificate acknowledging their significant contributions to fostering China-Tanzania friendship.
In a different vein, another notable drama titled “Happiness Juncao” spotlights the revolutionary Juncao technology. Juncao, which translates to fungi and grass, was a groundbreaking innovation in the 1980s by Professor Lin Zhanxi from China’s Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. Recognized as the “father of Juncao,” Professor Lin’s method leverages crop straw rather than timber to cultivate edible fungi such as shiitake and enoki mushrooms. This innovation has multifaceted benefits: it drastically reduces deforestation, lowers agricultural costs, and paves the way for advancements in ecological management, mycological animal feed, and mycological fertilizers. According to a report from the Xinhua News Agency, China has since held 270 Juncao training programs, equipping over 10,000 individuals with the skills to disseminate Juncao technology in up to 18 languages.
Inspired by Professor Lin’s endeavors, “Happiness Juncao” captures the transformative potential of this technology, especially along the Belt and Road regions. To ensure accuracy, the drama’s creators meticulously researched the Juncao cultivation process, visiting Fujian, Yunnan, and the Republic of Fiji. Under Professor Lin’s guidance, the series offers viewers an in-depth look into the entire Juncao production journey, from drying and bagging to sterilization.
All told, seven TV dramas celebrating the BRI’s legacy have been orchestrated by the National Radio and Television Administration, showcasing China’s global contributions through captivating narratives.
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