Mini Series Shenyang 1931 Premieres on September 18
The mini series Shenyang 1931 officially premiered on September 18 across platforms including TikTok, Hongguo, Mango TV, iQIYI, and Youku. Rooted in historical facts and imbued with a spirit of resilience, the series revisits the fervent struggles at the dawn of China's War of Resistance, reviving the unyielding national spirit for a new era.
Shenyang 1931 transcends a single-event narrative, by adopting a panoramic perspective that interweaves pivotal moments in Northeast China's modern history. While remaining faithful to historical accuracy, it employs a creative fusion of fact and artistic interpretation to reexamine major events such as the May Fourth Movement, the Zhili-Fengtian War, the Northeast Flag Replacement, and Guo Songling's revolt against the Fengtian Clique. The narrative ultimately converges on the September 18 Incident, which marked the beginning of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Mini Series Zi Gu Ying Xiong Chu Shao Nian (Heroes Among Youth) Premieres on September 18
On September 18, the five-episode mini series Zi Gu Ying Xiong Chu Shao Nian (Heroes Among Youth), produced by Hebei Radio and Television Station and Hebei Radio and Television Film Culture Co., Ltd., premiered on platforms including CCTV Video, Hebei TV, Tencent Video, iQIYI, Youku, Migu Video, Bilibili, and the Jishi APP. The series draws inspiration from real-life young heroes and classic literary figures in Hebei's wartime history, portraying their touching stories and celebrating the power of youth during the nation's critical moments. Through a cross-generational dialogue between two generations of young individuals, the series highlights the ideals, sacrifices, and patriotic sentiments of youth during tumultuous times, embodying a spiritual legacy of courage, responsibility, and faith.
Mini Series Dong Xun Xi Xun, Bu Ru Nan Xun (East or West, Nanxun Is the Best) Begins Filming
On September 15, the launch ceremony for the mini series Dong Xun Xi Xun, Bu Ru Nan Xun (East or West, Nanxun Is Best) was held in the ancient town of Nanxun, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province. Centered around the theme of "Beautiful Family Traditions," the series highlights the inheritance of family values rooted in Nanxun's thousand-year cultural legacy. By adopting the mini series format, it blends the town's rich historical heritage with today's spirit of civility. Through a collection of vivid and touching stories, the series illustrates the essence of Nanxun's cultural spirit, portraying a landscape of courtesy and respect that extend from families to communities, enterprises, and society as a whole.
The series is co-produced by Xinhua Daily Telegraph, the Publicity Department of the CPC Nanxun District Committee, Huzhou Nanxun Culture and Tourism Development Group Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Zhijiang Rongliang Technology Co., Ltd., and Rongliang MicroDrama.
Mini Series Shi Hu Nv Wang (The Dendrobium Queen) to Premiere on September 20, Depicting the Inheritance and Innovation of the Yiwu Spirit
Shi Hu Nv Wang (The Dendrobium Queen), a health science mini series jointly produced by Senshan and Baidu, directed by renowned mini series director Yan Peiliang and written by leading creator Shi Xiaolin, is set to premiere on September 20. The series centers on the entrepreneurial journey of Yu Niancao (based on Yu Qiaoxian) against the backdrop of Yiwu's urban development. It profoundly illustrates how Yiwu's "Liuyi" culture has nurtured local enterprises and forged business legends.
How Yujiang District Is Driving High-Quality Development in the Mini Series Industry
Recently, the 2025 Mini Series Industry Ecosystem Conference was held in Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province, bringing together leading industry companies and representatives to explore new pathways for high-quality development in the mini series sector. In recent years, Yujiang District in Yingtan City has actively developed a mini series filming base, characterized by urban settings. The district leverages its core advantages—"scenic locations, comprehensive supporting facilities, and full-service support"—to gradually build a complete industrial chain encompassing filming, production, and distribution.
At the conference, Yujiang District introduced the "Golden Ten Measures," a special support policy covering renovation subsidies, rent reductions, filming incentives, and overseas expansion grants. As a result, 56 film and television companies have now settled in the mini series filming base.
However, the mini series industry currently faces significant challenges, including homogenized content, which intensifies competition among creators and leads to audience fatigue. To address this, Yujiang District is adopting a three-pronged approach—"introducing resources, cultivating talent, and expanding markets"—to deepen content ecosystems, ensure compelling storytelling, and transition from extensive operations to high-quality development.
Yang Zheng, head of Shifang Guangying Film and Television Base, stated, "We are establishing an international expansion service center offering professional translation, dubbing, and overseas distribution services to provide specialized global support for production teams filming in Yujiang District."
The Burgeoning of the Mini Series Industry
According to the 2024 China Mini Series Industry Research Report, the market size of China's mini series industry reached 50.5 billion yuan in 2024, surpassing the country's annual box office revenue for the first time. It is expected to grow to 63.43 billion yuan in 2025 and exceed 85.65 billion yuan by 2027. Once dismissed as fragmented, time-killing entertainment, mini series have now become a "gold mine" pursued by investors. As growth in the traditional long drama market slows, major video platforms are increasingly betting on mini series as their "second growth curve."
Long-form video platforms are rushing into the mini series sector, while quick-moving film and TV companies have already turned mini series into genuine cash cows.
The rise of mini series has also drawn the attraction of local governments. The appeal lies in the industry's fit with regional development needs. Unlike traditional film and television production—which requires high investment in infrastructure, professional talent, and funding—mini series stand out for their low-cost, short cycles, light production, and low entry barriers, lowering the threshold for non-first-tier cities to participate.
With platforms and production companies competing in the arena, mini series are no longer limited to "fast-paced, short, and addictive" storyline. The market is moving toward higher-quality development—polishing narratives, embedding cultural elements, upgrading production standards, and exploring deeper social values. What was once seen as disposable pastime entertainment is rapidly becoming a new cultural consumption trend that blends both mass appeal and creative depth.
