The historical mystery drama Riverside Code at Qingming Festival (清明上河图密码), starring Zhang Songwen and Bai Baihe, has been gaining traction since its debut on CCTV-8 and Youku. The show’s Youku popularity index has soared past 10,000, a milestone that competitors, like Brocade Odyssey, has yet to reach.
During the Northern Song Dynasty, a family of five, led by low-ranking clerk Zhao Buyou and his wife Wen Yue, found their lives upended by a sensational case. As they tackled mysteries ranging from market monopolies to political corruption, the family grew closer. The rest of the cast includes Zhou Yiwei, Hou Yansong, Gala Zhang Yao, Xia Meng and Lin Jichuan.
Based on Ye Wenbiao’s novel, the drama captures the bustling life of the Song Dynasty. What sets Riverside Code at Qingming Festival apart is its focus on the lives of commoners rather than nobles, highlighting the essence of the original novel. The depiction is also very much rooted in history. For fans of idol dramas serving up all the pretty, this offers up another niche with a focus on the historical accuracy and mystery. The main characters are not black and white, and the cases they solve serve not just as mysteries but also as explorations of family bonds and personal growth, often sprinkled with light humor. The production spares no effort in recreating the Song Dynasty with the famed Qingming Scroll inspiring the intricate sets, costumes, and props. If the ratings are any indication, it may just be worth your while.
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