All You Need to Know About Upcoming Drama 'The Lychee of Chang'an'
The highly anticipated drama ‘The Lychee of Chang’an’, adapted from Ma Boyong’s novel of the same name, has released its first trailer and posters. With an all-star cast led by Lei Jiayin and a story full of twists and intrigue, the show is poised to be one of the year’s biggest hits.
Today, the first trailer and posters were revealed for the upcoming period drama “The Lychee of Chang’an”, which is based on Ma Boyong’s novel of the same name. The show will be exclusively broadcast on Tencent Video. It follows the story of Li Shande, a minor official in Chang’an (modern day Xi’an) during the Tang Dynasty, as he faces the seemingly impossible task of transporting fresh lychees thousands of miles from Lingnan in southern China to the imperial capital, battling against time, the elements, and political scheming.
The trailer opens with Lei Jiayin as Li Shande explaining the perils of transporting lychees - how the delicate fruit changes color in a day, fragrance in two days, and flavor in three days. This foreshadows the immense challenge that lies ahead of him. Just as Li Shande relishes his promotion to be the imperial lychee envoy, he discovers to his horror that he is expected to deliver fresh, not preserved, lychees to Chang’an - a nigh impossible task given the distances and transportation methods of the era.
Backed into a corner with no way out, Li Shande must use his wits and determination to complete the mission thrust upon him, or face dire consequences. The trailer previews his eventful journey from Lingnan to Chang’an, battling harsh conditions and racing against time as the lychees' freshness slowly fades away. Can he accomplish the impossible and emerge victorious against all odds?
Directed by Cao Dun, who previously helmed the acclaimed “The Longest Day in Chang’an”, and featuring a stellar cast including Lei Jiayin, Yue Yunpeng, Zhang Tianai, and Tan Jianci, “The Lychee of Chang’an” appears set to be an epic drama event of the year. The show promises to bring Ma Boyong’s compelling story and richly detailed Tang Dynasty setting to vivid life on the screen.
Beyond the surface tale of Li Shande’s quest lies a deeper story exposing the darkness of officialdom and the personal toll of navigating a treacherous political landscape. The show explores timeless themes of individual integrity, duty, and the personal sacrifices made by the commoners who keep the wheels of the empire running, often at great cost to themselves.
Anticipation is running high for the drama thanks to its powerhouse creative team and cast. Director Cao Dun and star Lei Jiayin in particular are coming off the huge success of “The Longest Day in Chang’an”, which covered similar themes and settings. If “The Lychee of Chang’an” can meet or even exceed the high bar set by their previous collaboration, viewers will be in for a real treat.
With its compelling premise, lavish period setting, and examination of weighty themes through the lens of one minor official’s improbable mission, “The Lychee of Chang’an” looks to be one of the most exciting and talked-about dramas of the year. Audiences will be eagerly awaiting its premiere to see if it can live up to its immense potential. If it does, expect “The Lychee of Chang’an” to dominate the pop culture conversation and win over the hearts of millions of viewers.